Forgery in Kent

In a thriving economy like Kent's, countless financial transactions happen every day. Whether you work directly in finance or other key industries like manufacturing, technology, and healthcare, these transactions involve heavy regulations and complex requirements, so sometimes, things can get mixed up. Those mixups sometimes lead to serious forgery charges, which are more common in Kent than you might think.

Our attorneys specializing in Washington state forgery defense know how to protect you from the potential fallout of these charges. We will carefully review the evidence, identify any inconsistencies, and build a strong defense for your case. If you're facing forgery charges, call our Kent law offices now for a free consultation, and let us put our expertise to work for you.

How Does Washington State Law Distinguish Between Forgery And Fraud?

In Washington state, forgery and fraud are related but distinct crimes. Forgery, defined under RCW 9A.60.020, is the creation, alteration, or use of a written instrument with the intent to defraud. It includes signing someone else's name on a document, altering a check, or creating a fake identification. The key element of forgery is the falsification of documents or written instruments to deceive others.

Fraud, on the other hand, includes a wide range of activities, such as identity theft, credit card fraud, or insurance fraud. Unlike forgery, fraud does not require falsifying a document. Instead, it is a deceptive act of scheme to gain something of financial value.

The primary distinction between the two lies in the method: Forgery centers on the manipulation of documents, while fraud encompasses broader deceptive practices aimed at financial or personal gain. Both crimes carry severe penalties, and understanding the differences is critical when building a defense.

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

In Washington state, forgery is a Class C felony. A conviction leads to serious legal consequences, including:

• Up to 5 years in prison
• Up to $10,000 in financial penalties
• Court-ordered repayment to victims for financial losses caused by the forgery
• Probation
• Community Service
• Diversion

A forgery conviction doesn't just lead to immediate penalties. You will also have a criminal record. In Washington state, criminal records prevent you from accessing housing, employment, and professional licenses. In Kent, where the stakes are so high, securing seasoned legal representation will make all the difference. Our King County legal team can help mitigate these consequences. We'll make sure that one mistake doesn't dictate the rest of your life. If you're up against forgery charges, don't wait. Reach out to us and protect your future.

What Does The Prosecution Have to Prove In Forgery Cases In King County?

For the King County Courts to convict someone of forgery under RCW 9A.60.020, the prosecution must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt. These include:

• Intent To Defraud: You fully intended to deceive or cheat another individual or organization.
• Creation, Alteration, Or Use Of A Written Instrument: You either created, altered, or used a document, such as a check, contract, or identification, with fraudulent intent.
• False Representation Of Authenticity: The document or instrument was presented as genuine when it was not.
• Potential To Cause Harm Or Gain: The act had the potential to result in financial gain for the defendant or harm to another party, even if no harm occurred.

The King County prosecution relies on evidence such as the forged document, witness testimony, expert analysis of handwriting or documents, and any statements made by the defendant. Our experienced forgery defense attorneys in Kent can challenge their evidence and reduce these penalties.

Defenses Against Forgery Charges In Kent

Forgery charges in Kent can have serious consequences. However, a knowledgeable attorney can challenge the prosecution's case with a solid defense. Here are some of the strategies we can explore together for your forgery case:

• Lack Of Intent: Arguing that you did not act with the intent to defraud is one of the most important elements of disproving forgery. For example, if you signed a document you believed you had the authority to sign, we can argue there was no intent to harm.
• No Knowledge of Forgery: Demonstrate that you were unaware the document or instrument was forged, such as unknowingly presenting a counterfeit check or altered document.
• Insufficient Evidence: Challenge the evidence the prosecution presents, such as the authenticity of the alleged forgery or the chain of custody for critical documents.
• Mistaken Identity: Argue that someone else committed the forgery and that you were wrongly accused, particularly in cases involving shared access to documents or accounts.
• Lack Of Harm Or Gain: Highlight that the alleged forgery did not result in financial harm or gain, which can weaken the prosecution's case or lead to reduced charges.
• Procedural Errors: Challenge how law enforcement or investigators collected evidence, such as improper search and seizure or failure to follow due process.
• Consent Or Authority: Prove that you had permission or authority to sign or alter the document, such as acting on behalf of a business or with the document owner's approval.
• Coercion Or Duress: Demonstrating that you were forced or pressured into committing the act can be a valid defense in certain circumstances.

Our attorneys specialize in forgery cases. This is why we know exactly how to put together a powerful defense.

Local Legal Expertise From Our Forgery Defense Attorneys

Kent has a booming economy driven by key industries such as manufacturing, retail, and technology. Business districts like Kent Station, the Kent Valley Industrial Center, and the West Valley Business Park contribute to the city's growing economy. With so many businesses and financial transactions taking place daily, it's no surprise that mistakes or misunderstandings can sometimes lead to forgery charges.

For over 20 years, we've challenged forgery charges in Western Washington. With an in-depth understanding of Kent's legal landscape, we'll fight for a favorable outcome for your forgery case by scrutinizing the circumstance, challenging the prosecution's evidence, and putting our expertise to work in your defense. Call our defense lawyers today for more information.

Our Kent Forgery Attorneys Understand The Stakes

If convicted of forgery crime in Kent you will face serious penalties that could dramatically alter your life, land you behind bars, and destroy your reputation. Attempting to defraud a person or organization by falsifying a written instrument, or putting it forth while aware of its fraudulent nature, is how forgery is defined in Washington. Forgery includes crimes like embezzlement, altering medical prescriptions, theft, and credit card fraud, among others. Forgery is a Class C felony; a serious crime that incurs a criminal record, so it should never be underestimated.

The Kent forgery lawyers at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe can protect your legal rights, and defend your interests in an effort to keep you out of prison. If you're convicted of a forgery crime, you could face repercussions like losing your job, and it may even be difficult to obtain a loan.

Our professional litigators aggressively fight to protect the rights of our clients by pursuing the dismissal of their forgery charge. When a dismissal isn't possible, our Kent forgery attorneys do whatever the law allows to mitigate the punishments that a conviction incurs.

Schedule A Consultation With One Of Our Kent Forgery Lawyers

If you've been charged with a forgery-related crime in Kent, you need to understand that this is often seen as a type of identity theft. Your Kent forgery attorney will want to know the details of your case, so that we can work together to develop a defense. Prosecutors often seek maximum sentences in forgery cases by showing how the actions of the accused adversely affected the innocent party.

You should also seek legal counsel before speaking with anyone in law enforcement. Our forgery attorneys will offer you counsel meant to help prevent you from saying anything that could be used to prosecute you. The next step is to conduct an independent investigation of your case. If we find out that any of the evidence was obtained illegally, we will move to have this evidence suppressed.

Developing your defense will take time, but our Kent forgery lawyers have more than 30 years of professional legal experience at their disposal. We will work diligently to resolve your case as quickly as possible, so you can move forward with your life.

Throughout this process, your forgery lawyer will be at your side, offering sound legal counsel when you need it most. If you're concerned about paying legal fees, we can work out a payment plan that acknowledges your budgetary constraints. Don't allow a forgery charge in Kent to derail your life; contact our law office without delay so that you can have confidence in the quality of your legal representation.

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