Dallas Forgery Defense Attorney
What is Forgery?
Texas Penal Code § 32.21 defines forgery as altering, making, completing, executing, or authenticating any writing (including written documents) in order to fraudulently achieve some purpose. In many cases, this purpose is to obtain goods, services, or money, which means that forgery can be classified as a type of fraud.
There are a number of ways in which forgery can be executed, numerous reasons why it is committed, and many different "victims." The most essential legal element, however, is that forgery is committed with the intent to defraud or harm another.
Aggravating Circumstances for Forgery Crimes
Under Texas law, forgery is prosecuted as a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $4,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. When forgery involves certain documents or is committed against certain parties, particularly government institutions, heightened charges may arise.
Examples of these aggravating circumstances include forgery involving:
- Wills, codicils, deeds, or deeds of trust
- Mortgages
- Security instrument or security agreement
- Credit card or check
- Authorization to debt an account at a financial institution (bank)
Forgery involving these elements can be prosecuted as a state jail felony, subjecting a convicted offender to imprisonment from 180 days to 2 years, fines up to $10,000, or both. Third-degree felony charges may also arise when forgery involves money, securities, postage, government records, or instruments of government agencies. Third-degree felonies pose a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. In some cases, forgery may also be prosecuted as a federal offense.
Work Side-by-Side with a Dallas White Collar Crimes Lawyer
Securing legal representation when you face investigations and/or charges for forgery is essential to protecting your rights and future. With decades of criminal defense experience, our legal team has the skills and insight to effectively defend our clients in both local and federal courts. Although the facts of your case will influence defense strategies, we know that genuine mistakes and lack of intent to commit forgery can lead these charges.
Whatever the circumstance may be, you can be confident that our Dallas criminal defense attorneys will leave nothing behind when investigating your case, collecting evidence in your favor, and crafting a white collar crimes defense plan that can have your charges dismissed or reduced as much as possible.
Contact the Mathur Law Offices, P.C., to discuss your case during an initial consultation.