Forgery is generally considered to be a white collar crime, since it typically involves economic gain rather than being a crime of violence. It is a type of fraud that may also be classified as a theft crime. Broadly speaking, it is any act of knowingly altering, creating, or using a written document with the purpose of defrauding another party.
It is not necessary to prove that you actually carried out the act; only that you made the attempt and did so with the intention of committing fraud. Forgery can occur in a variety of different ways. One of the most common examples is to sign a check using another person’s name.
Another common scenario is when the perpetrator makes changes to the amount on a check, alters the terms of a will, or adjusts any other type of legal document. Forgery can also include falsifying documents such as:
It is often committed as part of an identity theft scheme. In some cases, the defendant may be a relative, employee, or other relation to the victim.
At West Coast Defense, we understand how important it is for you to clear your name and avoid the serious consequences that you could be facing if convicted. Not only could you be sentenced to imprisonment and fines, you could also end up with a conviction on your criminal record, a fact that could make it exceedingly difficult for you to find employment in the future. As a crime of dishonesty, a forgery conviction will often prevent an individual from obtaining a job that requires any type of trust on the part of the employer.
Contact us now at (800) 923-1776 for a free consultation with a Long Beach criminal defense attorney so you can get answers to your questions about the case and learn about your legal options for fighting the charges.
Discover how our expanded services can benefit you. Contact us today at (800) 923-1776 for a complimentary consultation and case review. With our main offices in Long Beach, we’re here to represent and support clients throughout Southern California in their diverse legal needs.