An accusation of Forgery in Greeley usually involves a felony, which is more serious than a misdemeanor. Finding a highly rated criminal defense lawyer is important, because prison is a possible punishment. In Greeley, Colorado, the police will charge you with a Forgery and Theft crime if a legal document, currency or signature is forged or faked. Recently, in the news, a man was charged with forgery after posing as a part of a construction company and having the Boulder Valley School District reroute money to another account. During this time, the school paid $852,733.83 out to the fake account and was not notified until the original construction company notified them that they had not received their payments as agreed.
What is Felony Forgery in Weld County?
In Weld County, a person commits Felony Forgery, C.R.S. 18-5-102, when:
(a) Part of an issue of money, stamps, securities, or other valuable instruments issued by a government or government agency; or
(b) Part of an issue of stock, bonds, or other instruments representing interests in or claims against a corporate or other organization or its property; or
(c) A deed, will, codicil, contract, assignment, commercial instrument, promissory note, check, or other instrument which does or may evidence, create, transfer, terminate, or otherwise affect a legal right, interest, obligation, or status; or
(d) A public record or an instrument filed or required by law to be filed or legally fileable in or with a public office or public servant; or
(e) A written instrument officially issued or created by a public office, public servant, or government agency; or
(f) Part of an issue of tokens, transfers, certificates, or other articles manufactured and designed for use in transportation fees upon public conveyances, or as symbols of value usable in place of money for the purchase of property or services available to the public for compensation; or
(g) Part of an issue of lottery tickets or shares designed for use in the lottery held pursuant to article 40 of title 44; or
(h) A document-making implement that may be used or is used in the production of a false identification document or in the production of another document-making implement to produce false identification documents.
In the above story, the man sent false paperwork to the school district, directing that the money should be sent to a different account. Therefore, under subsection (c) above he was charged with forgery since he falsely made changes to a “contract” and the “transfer” of government funds to purposefully deceive the school district out of money.
Forgery and Theft are Closely Related and Similarly Charged in Weld County Crimes
Theft, located at C.R.S. 18-4-401, is often charged alongside Forgery in Greeley, when money is actually taken in the course of a Forgery crime. Here, since the man actually diverted over $800,000, he will also be charged with class 3 Felony Theft. He faces a far more serious prison sentence on the Theft charge, with 4 – 12 years in the Department of Corrections possible.
What is the Punishment of Forgery in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, Colorado, Forgery is a class 5 felony. If convicted the penalties that you face are: mandatory parole for 2 years, possible time in the Department of Corrections between 1-3 years, and a fine up to $100, 000. After penalties a felony conviction can cause difficulties in finding employment opportunities and housing prospects. Facing the penalties and the limitations on your life after you serve your sentence, should remind you how important it is to have a lawyer who has your future in mind and is skilled in criminal defense.
If you have been charged with Forgery, Fraud or Theft, exercise your right to remain silent. Not speaking to the police does not hurt your case but speaking to them can. The Greeley police just want the arrest, and the DA just wants a conviction. Call our experienced Forgery defense lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office. Call 970-616-6009 to meet with one of our attorneys here in Greeley, Colorado. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Startup Stock Photos from Pexels