Nothing Fake About It – Orange County’s Masterful Forgery Defense Attorney
All across the state of California, the crime of forgery is furiously prosecuted and it is imperative to get in contact with a defense attorney as soon as possible. Essentially, forgery is charged when an individual creates a fake document, illegally makes altercations to a document, or signs another individual’s name with the intention of stealing money, goods, and services.
Penalties for forgery can be a harsh reality that you do not want to face alone. Attorney Michael Marley of Marley Law Firm is a well-known Forgery Defense Attorney that embodies the tenacity to get the results you need. Marley is known for the aggressive, zealous representation of his clients at every stage of the case. For a free consultation, simply fill out a form on our Contact Page or call us at (949) 726-6000.
The Right Forgery Attorney with the Right Defense Strategies
Forgery cases can be complicated to defend, but with our vast knowledge of the subject, we can help you get the defense you need. Strategies vary from case to case, but a commonality in defense between them comes down to three things:
Permission – This defense simply implies that the true owner gave the individual that signed it permission, either verbal or written, to in fact sign the document in question. Providing context to the case could persuade a judge or jury that there was no intent to commit forgery.
Lack of passing of the item – One of the elements of the offense is the forged is “passed” or “uttered” to another person. The mere writing of the document is not a complete forgery.
Lack of intent – The defense can prove that the accused did not act willfully or purposefully to commit the crime of forgery, thus proving them innocent.
Penalties of a Conviction
Being a “wobbler” offense (can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony), the penalties vary greatly. Factors that play into the calculation of penalties include the suspect’s criminal record, the amount of the loss, and the age or status of the victim.
If the crime is charged as a misdemeanor, then the maximum penalty is a year in jail and a fine of $1000. However, if the case is filed as a felony, then the penalty can be on the more severe side. Passing a forged check that is more than $400 can result in a three-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine. However, the felony sentence can be increased based on the amount of loss or the prior record of the suspect.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship
