In Weld County, Forgery involves the possession or involvement in the creation of documents that are fraudulent, fake or counterfeit,and if charged you will need a creative and knowledgeable attorney to represent you. Forgery is a serious felony allegation, and if convicted you face prison time. Below, we will discuss Forgery charges in Greeley and Weld County and what you need to know about them.
What is Forgery in Greeley, Colorado? </br> Definition of Forgery in Colorado Courts
In Greeley, Colorado, it is the crime of Forgery, C.R.S. 18-5-102, when a person:
(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;
It is also important to note, if you are only in possession of documents that are forged, you could still be charged with Forgery, even if you did not create the papers or try and use them for gain.
What are Examples of Forgery in Weld County?
Examples of Forgery charges or forged documents in Weld County can include:
- Altered government issued identification
- Falsified deeds and wills
- A made-up letter of recommendation for a government job
- Signing someone else’s checks or creating your own
- Doctored school transcripts
- Falsifying medical documents
In Weld County, Forgery can also be charged if you are in possession of devices or instruments that are used to produce forged documents.
In Greeley, Colorado What is the Sentence or Punishment for Forgery?
The Sentence for a Forgery conviction in Greeley, Colorado courts is typically under a class 5 Felony, however there are other penalties and sentences associated with forgery, including:
- Class 5 Felony – Punishable by 1-3 years in Department of Corrections and a fine of $1,000 – $100,000.
- Class 6 Felony – Included in this sentence is the possession of legal or financial forged documents or a forgery device. The sentence is 1 – 18 months in DOC and a fine of $1,000 to $100,000.
- Class 2 Misdemeanor – Carrying other types of forged documents is punished as a class 2 misdemeanor. The sentence for a class 2 misdemeanor is 12 months in Weld County Jail and a fine of $250 to $1,000.
- Class 1 Misdemeanor – This includes forging of academic records. It is punishable by anywhere from 6 – 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
What are Possible Defenses to Forgery in Weld County?
Some possible defenses in a Forgery charges case in Weld County include:
- The defendant did not intend to defraud anyone
- The document is not actually a forgery
- There was police misconduct in acquiring the evidence
- The defendant did not know the instrument was forged
Forgery is a serious accusation, and having a good defense is vital. Call our experienced Christian criminal attorneys for help getting the best possible outcome in your case.
If you or someone you love is being charged with Forgery, exercise your right to remain silent. Not speaking to the police does not hurt your case, but speaking to them does. 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 or in the Weld County area. Together, we can protect your future.
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