Are you facing Forgery charges in Weld County? Forgery can be a difficult crime to understand. Most people don’t really know what it is, and don’t know what to do to defend themselves in court. In this blog, we’ll discuss the basics of a Forgery charge, and why it’s important to have a seasoned criminal defense attorney by your side to advocate on your behalf.
What is Forgery?
The law related to Forgery – C.R.S. 18-5-102, is almost impossible to understand. A person will be charged if they:
“With intent to defraud, such person falsely makes, completes, alters, or utters a written instrument which is or purports to be, or which is calculated to become or to represent if completed…”
The statute goes on to mention a long list of items, such as codicils, stamps, commercial instruments, and many other technical terms which are difficult to understand. Documents are forged in order to trick people out of valuable items. This is another form of stealing.
What’s the Simple Definition of Forgery?
Put simply, a person will face charges of Forgery if they make, copy, or use a counterfeit document (i.e. a check) to deceive someone in Morgan, Logan, or Sedgewick County. In other words, if you create a fake document which proves you are the owner of a home you don’t actually own, you will face charges of Forgery.
There are many related charges for Forgery which can be added. Protect yourself by hiring a lawyer.
What is the Sentence for Forgery in Weld County?
Forgery charges range anywhere from a class 1 misdemeanor (for 2nd Degree Forgery), up to a class 5 felony (for 1st Degree Forgery). The distinction between the two lies in whether or not official documents were forged.
- First Degree Forgery: Charged whenever the forged documents are official – such as money, stocks, deeds, public records, contracts, etc.
- Second Degree Forgery: Charged whenever false documents are created or used which are not official documents.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Forgery Charges
There are many additional charges which are commonly added to Forgery charges in Evans, Erie, and Johnstown. These include Obtaining a Signature by Deception – C.R.S. 18-5-112, or Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument – C.R.S. 18-5-105, or Criminal Possession of Forgery Devices – C.R.S. 18-5-109. Because of this, it is important to work with a competent criminal defense attorney if you are facing Forgery charges. The long-term consequences of a Forgery charged on your record cannot be overestimated. Employers may have a hard time trusting you, which makes holding a steady job difficult. Don’t plead guilty to avoid jail time. Instead, take control of your future and work with an aggressive attorney who will strive to get your case dismissed.
If you or a loved one is facing Forgery charges, be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. Then, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at
970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – geralt