New York City
Fake Vaccine Card
Defense Lawyer

New York City Fake Vaccine Card Defense

New York City Fake Vaccine Card Defense Attorney

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed American life and generated some of the most contentious social debates in decades. Of these debates, required vaccines have been at the forefront of the conversation. Vaccine mandates have affected many industries. Unsurprisingly, these mandates have been a discussion in the medical community, but debates have reached even the NFL, with Aaron Rodgers’ surprise admission that he wasn’t vaccinated. While everyone is ready for the pandemic to be over so they can get back to their everyday lives, getting back to normal presents a complicated and contentious path.

Representing New York City Clients Charged With Falsifying COVID Vaccine Cards

Both the federal government and various state governments have imposed emergency measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. The strictness of these measures varies from state to state. New York currently enforces some of the strictest medical mandates in the country, prohibiting those who refuse to take COVID-19 injections from entering workplaces, shopping at local businesses, or traveling. People opposed to the vaccine have felt enormous pressure, and some have taken to creating false vaccine cards in an effort to continue their daily lives.

If you or a loved one used or attempted to use a falsified COVID vaccine card or attempted to secure a New York Excelsior Pass with a falsified vaccine record, call our firm. These charges are serious. You could face criminal charges, including felony fraud and forgery. The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, provides comprehensive criminal defense representation to individuals accused of fraud in New York City. We have successfully represented many past clients in a wide range of fraud, forgery, and other criminal cases, and we can put this experience to work for you.

Why Do I Need a New York City Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Attempting to represent yourself in any criminal case is incredibly risky. While you may feel confident in your ability to make your case, the reality is that you need defense counsel to help you interpret the criminal statutes relevant to your case and guide you through the complex proceedings your case entails. The average person is unlikely to know the defenses available to them.

Working with an experienced New York City criminal defense attorney is the best option when you have been charged with fraud or forgery regarding vaccination passes. The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, can help you determine your best available defenses and prepare you for each stage of your case. Of course, a good defense attorney strives to have their clients’ charges dropped or their case dismissed. However, if this isn’t possible in your situation, you can rely on your attorney to assist you in minimizing your penalty through the plea-bargaining process.

Potential Penalties for Falsifying COVID Vaccine Cards

The two most commonly cited charges involving falsified vaccine cards include second-degree forgery and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. Depending on how a faked card was used, it is also possible for the defendant to face charges of first-degree falsifying business records or first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. It’s essential to understand each of these charges and the potential penalties they carry:

Second-degree forgery could apply if you created an entirely fake COVID vaccine card or altered a legitimate card with fraudulent information with the intent to deceive. When convicted at the felony level, this offense carries a potential sentence of two years and four months to seven years in a New York state prison along with fines and penalty assessments.
Second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument pertains to the actual possession of the falsified card itself. This offense can also lead to a two-year and four-month to a seven-year prison sentence and other penalties.
First-degree falsifying business records applies if your falsified card led to a false entry being recorded in any company’s official records. A conviction for this offense can entail a prison term of 16 months to four years.
First-degree offering a false instrument for filing applies when you knowingly provide a falsified card and have its information recorded in a public office’s official records. This offense may also lead to a prison sentence of 16 months to four years.

It is vital to remember that a felony conviction will dramatically impact your future. You may not qualify for certain jobs, and the record of your conviction will follow you for at least 10 years. Unfortunately, New York does not allow expungement of felony convictions, so while your record could qualify to be sealed after 10 years, it will never really go away.

Defending Yourself Against Felony Fraud and Forgery Charges in New York City

If you have been arrested for falsifying a COVID vaccination card or altering a legitimate card with false information, it is essential to exercise your right to remain silent during arrest and booking. Instead, comply politely with the police until you can exercise your right to legal counsel and contact a New York City criminal defense attorney. No matter your intentions behind using a falsified card, attempting to explain yourself to the police is likely to work against you.

The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, will help you determine the best available defenses in your situation. We understand the emotionally charged nature of the current climate in New York City and that many people have made mistakes out of fear. Regardless of what your unique situation entails, you can expect personalized representation from our team through every stage of your criminal case. If you are ready to discuss your defense options with an experienced New York City criminal defense attorney, contact the Law Office of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, today to schedule your consultation with our team.

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