Bill > A05366

This bill restructures the legal framework for schemes to defraud and establishes new protections for legal services clients by creating a more nuanced and comprehensive classification of fraud offenses and introducing specific criminal provisions for lawyer misconduct. The bill creates a graduated system of fraud offenses ranging from fifth-degree (a misdemeanor) to first-degree (a class B felony), with increasing severity based on factors such as the number of victims, total property value obtained, and targeting of vulnerable populations like elderly individuals. Additionally, the bill introduces a new article on harassment of legal services clients, which criminalizes specific unethical behaviors by lawyers, such as withholding client documents or funds, and threatening to reveal confidential information. These provisions aim to strengthen legal accountability, protect clients from exploitative practices, and maintain professional standards in the legal services industry. The bill modifies several existing laws to incorporate these new definitions and offenses, updating references in penal, business, and labor law sections to reflect the new fraud classification system and adding new legal protections for clients.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5366