Forgery in Federal Way

Forgery charges often arise from mistakes or misunderstandings, especially if you work in an industry with complex financial regulations. Over our 20 years of providing defense in Western Washington courts, we've seen firsthand how individuals can be caught in legal scrutiny while simply trying to follow the rules. Whether it's a misunderstanding of financial documents, miscommunication with others, or even a simple clerical error, forgery charges are not always correct.

If you're facing them, our experienced Federal Way defense team is here to guide you through the legal process. We understand the complexities of forgery cases in Washington state and know how to fight charges. Call our law offices today for a consultation.

How Our Federal Way Forgery Attorneys Support Your Case

When facing forgery charges, our attorneys will explore several defense strategies to protect your rights and challenge the King County prosecution's case:

• Lack Of Intent: We can argue that you did not have the intent to defraud, which is a critical element of forgery. Lack of intent applies if you believed the document was genuine or were unaware that your actions constituted forgery.
• Mistake Of Fact: If you acted under a misunderstanding that led you to believe your actions were legal, we could present this to demonstrate the absence of fraudulent intent.
• Duress Or Coercion: If someone forced or threatened you to commit the act of forgery, we can use this as a defense to show that you did not take your actions willingly.
• Insufficient Evidence: We'll thoroughly examine the prosecution's evidence for any flaws or gaps. If the evidence of forgery lacks strength, it might be deemed inadmissible.
• Permission To Sign: If you had authorization from the alleged victim to sign a document or act on their behalf, it is not forgery under Washington state law.

Our Federal Way forgery defense attorneys will tailor your defense to the circumstances in your case. Whatever strategy we employ, we will fight to reduce charges and penalties and get your case dismissed.

Why Did The King County Courts Charge Me With Forgery?

In Washington state, forgery is falsely making, completing, or altering a written document to defraud someone financially. Forgery charges can also include possessing, offering, or disposing of a forged instrument with fraudulent intent. Given the breadth of actions that qualify as forgery, this is a serious offense with significant legal consequences. You can face charges for:

• Signing a friend or family member's name on a check without their permission and attempting to cash it
• Changing the dollar amount on a contract or the terms of a legal agreement after the other party has signed it
• Manufacturing or modifying an identification card to misrepresent your age, identity, or other personal details
• Modifying or creating academic records to apply for a job or gain admission to an educational institution
• Producing fake currency or altering existing currency with the intent to use it as real money

As your forgery attorneys in Federal Way, we'll help you understand and fight your charges. Forgery has serious penalties that we can help mitigate or avoid altogether.

What Are The Penalties For A Forgery Conviction In Washington State?

Forgery is a Class C felony under Washington state law RCW 9A.60.020. If convicted, you could serve up to five years in prison and pay a fine of up to $10,000. Beyond fines, the court may also order you to pay restitution to the victims for any losses they incurred due to the forgery.

What Evidence Do King County Prosecutors Use In Forgery Cases?

In King County forgery cases, prosecutors use a variety of evidence to establish that the defendant committed the crime with intent to defraud. Here are key types of evidence the prosecution may present against you:

• Document Analysis: Analysis includes the examination of the allegedly forged document itself, comparing it to genuine documents to identify discrepancies in handwriting, typology, ink, and paper characteristics.
• Expert Testimony: They may call handwriting experts to analyze the signatures or handwriting on the document to determine if they were forged. Forensic document examiners might also testify about alterations in documents.
• Surveillance Footage: Video footage from ATMs, banks, or other locations where the forged document might have been used can be crucial in showing who used the document and the circumstances of its use.
• Electronic Records: Email, computer, and phone records that show the creation, alteration, or transmission of a forged document can be compelling evidence of intent and execution of forgery.
• Witness Testimony: They may enlist witnesses who observed you with the forged document or were involved in the forgery who can clarify your intent in court.
• Admissions: Your own statements admitting to any part of the forgery are strong evidence against you.

As your forgery defense attorneys, we'll scrutinize all the evidence presented by the prosecution to challenge their case. Our legal team will counteract with strong defensive strategies.

Why Does Intent Matter In Forgery?

To convict you of forgery, the prosecution has to prove that you had intent. Intent distinguishes between a genuine mistake and deliberate deception through the crime of forgery. Without proving intent, the prosecution cannot establish that the act was criminal rather than an innocent error. As your forgery defense attorneys, we'll focus on this aspect to potentially undermine the prosecution's case.

Our Federal Way Attorneys Minimize The Impact Of Forgery

Federal Way is a leading financial hub with industries like banking, insurance, and real estate. We're home to companies in major business districts like Downtown Federal Way, the Federal Way Commons, and the Pacific Highway Corridor. With such heavy financial activity in the city, it's easy to get caught up in forgery charges. We see this even when our client is simply trying to navigate the complex laws and regulations.

As attorneys with extensive local experience and in-depth knowledge of Federal Way's legal system, we know that these charges can be challenged in King County Courts. Ready to learn more? Schedule your free consultation now with our legal team.

Get Professional Legal Assistance From Our Federal Way Forgery Lawyers

Forgery is a serious crime, and in Washington State the punishments associated with a conviction can ruin your reputation and significantly alter your life. According to the law, forgery is defined as attempting to defraud a person, business, or organization by falsifying or putting forth a written instrument while having knowledge that it was fabricated.

Forgery cases in Federal Way cover a number of separate crimes that include identity theft, prescriptions, credit card or check fraud, and embezzlement, among others. Forgery is a Class C felony in Washington State, which means that a conviction incurs a criminal record and possible time behind bars.

If you've been charged with any of these serious crimes, our Federal Way forgery attorneys will defend your rights while protecting your personal interests. The penalties incurred after a Federal Way forgery conviction include jail time, expensive fines, and may even make it hard for you to find gainful employment.

At the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe, our Federal Way forgery lawyers protect clients by pursuing the dismissal of their criminal charges. If this is not possible, we will work diligently to mitigate the penalties associated with a conviction. Washington law guarantees your right to defend yourself against any criminal charges, so contact our law office today and speak with one of our professional attorneys.

Our Federal Way Forgery Attorneys Offer A Cost-Free Case Evaluation

After being charged with a forgery crime in Federal Way, you should take steps to defend your legal rights, even if feel immobilized from worry. Start getting answers today by speaking with our Federal Way forgery lawyers without risk or obligation.

Don't speak to anyone in law enforcement, including the prosecutor in your case, until you secure professional legal guidance from a qualified attorney. Our forgery attorneys may prevent you from saying something that could be construed as incriminating, and will also investigate your case to prevent any illegally obtained evidence from being used by the prosecution.

Building a legal defense is seldom easy, but our Federal Way forgery attorneys have more than thirty years of collective experience, which often aids us in this process. Your attorney will work diligently to resolve your Federal Way forgery case in a timely manner so that you can put this whole ordeal in your past as quickly as possible.

Your forgery attorney will always tell you what you need to hear, even when it isn't the best news. If you're worried about the cost of a lawyer, we can work out a payment plan that fits within your budget. Benefit from professional legal representation as you navigate your Federal Way forgery case. A Federal Way forgery conviction is serious, so contact our Washington law office today for a private consultation.