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    Fighting Connecticut Metro-North Arrests for Possession of Forged Symbols

    Fighting Connecticut Metro-North Arrests for Possession of Forged Symbols
    • If you are caught riding Metro-North with a forged train ticket, Metro North Police will arrest you for Possession of Forged Symbols.
    • Metro North Police arrests will result in your name, arrest and mug shot being permanently published on the internet.
    • Even though a Metro North train ticket is just a couple bucks, Forged Symbols arrests are punishable by up to 1 year in jail under CGS 53a-142.
    • If you’ve arrested for Possession of Forged Symbols in Connecticut, call a top Metro North arrest Connecticut criminal attorney to fight your charges.


    What is Possession of a Forged Symbol / Counterfeit Train Ticket?

    Anyone can be arrested for Forgery of Symbols under CGS 53a-142 if they alter an MTA ticket, or even create a fake MTA ticket, to ride on Metro-North without paying. When Metro North conductors check tickets and monthly passes, they are trained to sniff out monthly and weekly passes that are altered or color-photocopied. These tickets might be slightly different in color or size, the expiration date might appear altered, or the hole punch on the ticket might even be different than the one issued by the MTA.

    Is Having a Fake / Counterfeit Connecticut Metro North Ticket a Felony?

    No, it’s a misdemeanor. If an MTA worker suspects a train ticket / monthly pass to be counterfeit, they will confiscate your ticket and will immediately call MTA police. As any of the best Metro North Connecticut criminal lawyers attorneys who handle arrests for Possession of Forged Symbols can explain, you can be charged with this crime even if you are in possession of a fake or forged MTA ticket (even if you aren’t using it.) Remember, forging or altering an MTA ticket is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a permanent criminal record. For more on fighting Metro North Possession of Forged Symbols arrests, click here.

    Can Metro-North Railroad Police Arrest Me?

    They sure can. People don’t realize that the MTA has its own police force of 650 sworn officers. Metro-North Police officers are stationed at every train station, and are ready to pull passengers off the train to investigate any crime reported by MTA workers or passengers. This means that Metro-North Police officers have full arrest power, and can issue an arrest any time they have reason to believe a crime has been committed – whether it be a forged ticket or being drunk in public.

    Connecticut Metro-North Arrests for Disorderly Conduct

    Keep in mind, Metro-North Railroad police can arrest passengers for more than forging train tickets. Many top Stamford and Greenwich Connecticut criminal lawyers get calls from MTA passengers who are arrested on Metro-North for being too drunk from a big night out in the city, picking fights with other passengers, or being violent or aggressive with MTA conductors. In these cases, these passengers have to fight Metro North arrests for Breach of Peace or Disorderly Conduct charges.

    What Should I Do If I Am Arrested on Metro-North Railroad?

    If you are arrested on Metro-North Railroad, be prepared to be pulled off of the train (in front of everyone you’re traveling with) and interrogated by Metro North police at the next available stop. Metro-North Police will take you into a room for questioning, to find out how you forged your ticket and how many times you’ve done this in the past. Remember anything you say to Connecticut Metro-North police can be used against you in court so make sure you speak to a top Metro-North criminal lawyer before you speak to the police.

    Fighting your MTA Arrest Charges in Court

    If you are arrested by Metro-North police, you’ll be given court date to appear in the closest Connecticut Superior Court. On this court date, your attorney will have the opportunity to formally request your police report in order to determine what evidence that prosecution has against you. Your lawyer will then go over your defense options – whether it’s asking for a trial, or asking the Judge to let you participate in a first-time offender’s diversionary program.

    Contact a Connecticut Forgery of Symbols / MTA Arrest Lawyer Today

    If you’re arrested on Metro-North Railroad for CGS 53a-142 Forgery of Symbols, then call a Connecticut forgery criminal attorney lawyer as soon as possible. Click here to read certified former client reviews on Avvo.com for the Law Offices of Mark Sherman, from other clients charged with similar MTA crimes. You can also call us at any time to discuss your case. We are available 24/7 at (203) 358-4700.