Obtaining Money by False Pretenses Lawyer in Warren County, NY
Obtaining money by false pretenses is a serious larceny offense in New York, prosecuted under Penal Law § 155.05. In Warren County, a conviction can lead to felony charges, significant fines, and incarceration. If you are facing these allegations, securing an experienced Obtaining Money by False Pretenses lawyer Warren County is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding the Charge of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses in New York
In New York, the crime of obtaining money by false pretenses is a form of larceny defined under Penal Law § 155.05. The statute requires the prosecution to prove that you intentionally obtained property from another person by means of a false representation of a past or present fact. This differs from other theft crimes as it centers on deception used to gain ownership, not merely possession. The value of the property obtained determines the degree of the charge, ranging from a misdemeanor to a class B felony.
Last verified: March 2026 | Warren County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a prosecutor’s insight to building your defense. We understand how these charges are filed and argued in Warren County courts.
Official Legal Resources
- New York Penal Law § 155.05 (Larceny) – The official state statute defining larceny, including obtaining property by false pretenses.
- Warren County Supreme Court – The official website for the Warren County court where felony and major misdemeanor cases are heard.
Defense Strategy and Warren County Court Process
A key local procedural fact is that obtaining money by false pretenses cases in Warren County often involve financial evidence and witness testimony about the alleged deception. The prosecution must prove your specific intent to defraud. In the Warren County Supreme Court, these cases can move through the Commercial Division if they involve business disputes, adding another layer of procedure. An obtaining money by false pretenses lawyer near me Warren County from our team can challenge the sufficiency of the alleged false statement, argue a lack of criminal intent, or negotiate for a reduction to a lesser offense.
- Initial Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea (not guilty) in the appropriate court, which for felonies is often Warren County Supreme Court.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence from the prosecution, including witness statements and financial documents, to build your defense.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if the prosecution’s case has legal weaknesses.
- Plea Negotiations: Most cases are resolved before trial. Your attorney will negotiate with the District Attorney’s office for a favorable outcome, which may be a reduction in charges.
- Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a jury trial where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on statutory guidelines and any mitigating factors presented by your defense.
Potential Penalties for Obtaining Money by False Pretenses in NY
In Warren County, obtaining money by false pretenses is punished as larceny, with penalties based entirely on the value of the property involved.
| Offense (By Value) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over $1 Million | Class B Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $30,000 or double the gain | None Directly | Restitution, felony record, civil liability |
| $100,000 – $1 Million | Class C Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $15,000 or double the gain | None Directly | Restitution, felony record, civil liability |
| $50,000 – $100,000 | Class D Felony | Up to 7 years | Up to $5,000 or double the gain | None Directly | Restitution, felony record, civil liability |
| $3,000 – $50,000 | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years | Up to $5,000 or double the gain | None Directly | Restitution, felony record, civil liability |
| $1,000 – $3,000 | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | None Directly | Restitution, misdemeanor record |
| Under $1,000 | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 3 months | Up to $500 | None Directly | Restitution, misdemeanor record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have handled thousands of criminal cases across multiple states. Our approach is direct: we analyze the specific facts of your case, identify the weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and develop a clear strategy aimed at protecting your future. We serve clients throughout the North Country with a commitment to accessible, assertive representation.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While we maintain a strong record of favorable outcomes, every case is unique. Our firm-wide experience includes securing dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions in larceny and fraud cases. In one firm-wide matter, we defended a client accused of a six-figure financial scheme, resulting in the dismissal of the most serious felony charges after challenging the evidence of intent. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Warren County Defense Lawyers
Our New York location serves clients facing charges in Warren County courts. We are accessible via I-87 and Route 9. If you need an affordable obtaining money by false pretenses lawyer Warren County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case and options.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Serving: Lake George, Glens Falls, Queensbury, Bolton Landing, Warrensburg, Chestertown, North Creek, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between false pretenses and other theft crimes?
Yes, there is a key difference. Obtaining money by false pretenses requires that ownership of the property was transferred due to a false statement of fact. Other larceny crimes, like larceny by trick or embezzlement, involve different methods of taking or converting property without rightful ownership.
Can I go to jail for a first-time false pretenses offense in Warren County?
It depends on the value involved. For misdemeanor charges (under $3,000), jail is possible but alternatives like probation may be available. For felony charges, which begin at $3,000, state prison is a statutory possibility. An experienced Obtaining Money by False Pretenses lawyer Warren County can argue for mitigating factors to seek a non-custodial sentence.
What are common defenses to a false pretenses charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud (you believed the statement was true), that the representation was a promise about the future (not a false fact), insufficient evidence of the false statement, or that the alleged victim did not actually rely on your statement in parting with their money.
Will I have to pay restitution if convicted?
Yes, almost certainly. New York courts routinely order restitution as part of a sentence for a theft-related conviction. This is a separate financial obligation from any fines imposed by the court and is paid to the victim to compensate for their proven loss.
Should I speak to the police if they want to interview me about this?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with a lawyer. Anything you say can be used to build the case against you, even if you are trying to explain yourself.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
Internal Resources: For more information on related charges, see our pages on Warren County Business Law and Federal Criminal Defense in Warren County. To understand our broader practice, visit our New York Civil Litigation hub page.
Your case in Warren County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Warren County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Warren Vicinage (13th Vicinage), 413 Second Street, Belvidere, NJ 07823, telephone (908) 475-6100, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Warren County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Warren County NJ lawyers directory · Obtaining Money by False Pretenses Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Obtaining Money by False Pretenses Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Monmouth County NJ Obtaining Money by False Pretenses Lawyer.