Forgery charges can carry heavy penalties and involve falsifying documents, signatures, or writing to deceive or defraud another party. Whether you’re facing allegations of falsifying legal contracts, checks, or government documents, the consequences can be severe. Sometimes, the penalty can be prison time, hefty fees, and a damaged reputation.
Understanding the complexities of forgery charges is essential, so securing a skilled forgery defense lawyer who can help navigate the legal system helps protect your rights. Discuss the complexities of white-collar crimes and explore your defense options with a forgery defense lawyer. Here is what you should know in the meantime.
What Constitutes Forgery?
Forgery is typically defined as creating, altering, or using a false document signature or instrument with the intent to defraud. However, the legal definitions and penalties can vary widely. Forgery charges and consequences often depend on the offense’s jurisdiction and nature.
In Texas, for instance, forgery is outlined under Texas Penal Code section 32.21. This code defines forgery as altering or creating writing intending to defraud or harm another party. Writing in this context can mean a wide range of documents, including:
- Contracts or deeds
- Checks and bank drafts
- Identification documents or licenses
- Public Records
- Legal documents
- Credit or debit cards
To be convicted of forgery, the prosecution must prove that you knowingly committed the act and intended to defraud. Their case often involves demonstrating that the alleged forgery caused harm to another party, whether financial or otherwise. However, there are many types of forgery offenses, each carrying its own set of effective defense strategies and penalties.
Types of Forgery Charges
The type of document or writing involved can determine the type and severity of forgery charges in Texas. Common types include check forgery, identity forgery, document forgery, credit card forgery, and government document forgery. Penalties are often determined by the document type and level of financial or personal damage caused.
For example, forging a government document can lead to more severe penalties than forging a personal check. Additionally, multiple instances of forgery charges or involvement in a broader fraud scheme may require a more rigorous defense. Let’s explore the different forgery charges to better understand them.
Check Forgery
This involves creating or altering checks. It could mean forging a signature or changing the details on a valid check to siphon money illegally.
Identity Forgery
In these cases, a person may forge identification cards, birth certificates, or other personal documents to impersonate someone else or to commit identity theft.
Document Forgery
This includes altering or creating fake legal documents, such as real estate deeds, contracts, or bills, to defraud the rightful owner or beneficiaries.
Credit Card Forgery
This involves forging or altering credit or debit cards to make unauthorized banking transactions or fraudulent purchases.
Government Document Forgery
Individuals may forge official documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, or visas in this more serious category or be tied to a larger fraud scheme.
Complex cases and severe forgery charges may mean federal involvement. Consult a forgery defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights and secure an equitable outcome.
How to Defend Against Forgery Charges
The forgery charges are often complex, and the prosecution must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. This means prosecutors must demonstrate your intent, knowledge, and subsequent harm. However, this multifaceted burden of proof gives your forgery defense lawyer more leverage to your advantage.
If your attorney can establish that there was no intent to deceive or that the act was a mistake, you may be able to reduce the charges or have them dismissed. If you accidentally signed someone else’s name or did not understand the consequences of your actions, your attorney can use this to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Your forgery defense lawyer may also argue that someone else tampered with the document and that you were merely an unwitting participant. Sometimes, you may have been wrongfully accused of forgery due to mistaken identity or false allegations. Experienced legal counsel can investigate the case, gather evidence, and identify the real party responsible for the crime.
Using Lack of Sufficient Evidence, Coercion, and Distress Defenses for Forgery
A skilled forgery defense lawyer can challenge the sufficiency and admissibility of evidence presented by the prosecution, questioning whether it is reliable, properly obtained, or relevant. For example, a defendant may commit forgery under the threat of harm or due to coercion. If your lawyer can demonstrate that you were acting under threat or pressure, you may have a viable defense against forgery charges.
At the Law Offices of Philip D. Ray, we specialize in defending individuals against complex forgery charges and other white-collar crimes. We work closely with you to examine the evidence, craft a personalized defense strategy, and fight to protect your rights and reputation.
Conclusion
A strong legal defense against forgery charges can impact the outcome of your case, helping reduce the charges or penalties you face. Without proper representation, you risk being convicted of a crime that could haunt you for years.
Don’t wait to seek legal counsel if you or someone you know is facing forgery charges. Contact the Law Offices of Phillip D. Ray today for a consultation, and let us help you navigate your defense.