Remember when you were younger, and your teacher sent you home with something your parents were supposed to sign? How many of you practiced your parents’ signatures for weeks on end until it was just perfect? Well, you might not have realized it back then, but it is actually a crime.
Forgery is a serious offense that involves falsifying or altering documents, signatures, or other items of value with the intent to deceive. If you have been accused of forgery, you must understand how serious these charges are and the legal consequences you might encounter. Even in its most simple form, forgery is still a deliberate attempt to make something appear legitimate when it isn’t. Whether it is a fake signature on a contract, a forged check, or altering official records, the intent to defraud others is the core of this particular crime.
Forgery has many forms, from creating counterfeit documents to modifying existing ones. Some common examples include signing someone else’s name on legal documents, forging an ID, or producing a fake banknote or credit card. Even changing numbers or dates on an invoice or contract can fall under the umbrella of forgery. The main element to remember when it comes to forgery is that it is aimed at misleading someone and making them believe that a forged document or other item is genuine and legally binding.
According to the legal definition of forgery, it typically requires that the accused knowingly and intentionally made or altered a document to defraud another. This could be for financial gain, to secure some kind of illegal advantage, or to cause harm to someone. In many jurisdictions, forgery is classified as a felony offense and can result in imprisonment, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you are dealing with these charges, the consequences can also impact your future, legally and professionally speaking.
It is also important to note that even an accidental alteration or error that still appears to be forgery can also result in serious charges, depending on the actual circumstances and the intent behind it. If you are accused of forgery in Redmond, it helps to have experienced legal representation on your side. A skilled attorney can help you understand the specifics of your situation, defend your rights, and ensure that all aspects of your case are thoroughly examined before moving forward.
Washington State Laws Relevant to Forgery in RedmondForgery in Washington is governed by laws outlined in the Revised Code of Washington. If you’re dealing with forgery charges, you must understand these laws because they determine how the crime is defined, prosecuted, and penalized.
Definition of ForgeryUnder RCW 9A.60.020, forgery occurs when a person falsely makes, completes, or alters a written instrument or knowingly possesses, offers, or uses such a document to injure or defraud. A written instrument can include a wide range of items, from checks and legal documents to identification cards and contracts. The intent to deceive or defraud is a critical element that prosecutors must prove in a forgery case.
In Washington, forgery is considered a Class C felony that can result in up to 5 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $10,000. The court may even require that you pay restitution to the victims of your crime to cover the financial losses the forgery caused. A felony conviction for forgery could also make it harder to secure housing, employment, or professional licenses.
You will also find that forgery often overlaps with identity theft (RCW 9.35.020), particularly when you use another person's identity to commit fraud. This is treated as a separate crime and can carry additional penalties.
Additionally, the criminal possession of forgery devices is a crime that can lead to separate charges. This means knowingly possessing tools or devices that can be used to create forged documents.
Redmond’s Growth and the Rising Risk of ForgeryRedmond, located just east of Seattle, has a thriving community and is home to scenic parks and bike trails that showcase a deep appreciation for nature. It has a very family-friendly atmosphere and an innovative economy.
However, the city’s rapid growth makes it a target for financial and white-collar crimes, including forgery. As businesses and individuals continue navigating their economic landscape, the risks associated with fraudulent activity remain a concern.
How Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help You With Forgery ChargesIf you’ve been accused of forgery, some defenses may apply depending on the circumstances of your case. These include:
Don’t be overwhelmed by your forgery charges. Instead, take the time to consult our experienced criminal defense attorneys. We have been challenging forgery cases in Western Washington for over 20 years and are ready to fight on your behalf.
We will carefully review all the evidence against you, including the documents being questioned, and then take a closer look at the circumstances of the alleged forgery. This way, we can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, like insufficient evidence or procedural errors that can end up working in your favor.
Since forgery cases often hinge on proving intent, you will find that our attorneys are skilled at challenging this. We will explore all possible defenses and prove you were unaware of the forgery or show that you had permission or authorization for your actions.
We know that being accused of forgery is a very serious matter, so we are here to support you, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through this challenging time.
Our Redmond Forgery Attorneys Understand The Complexities Of A Forgery CaseIf you're convicted of forgery in Redmond you will face serious repercussions that could dramatically alter your life. Not only will you likely spend time in jail, your reputation could be destroyed. Forgery in Washington State is defined as trying to defraud an organization or person by falsifying a written document, or putting it forth while aware of its fraudulent nature. Common forgery crimes include embezzlement, theft, altering medical prescriptions, and credit card fraud, among others. As a Class C felony, forgery is a serious crime that incurs a criminal record and serious penalties, so it should never be underestimated.
The Redmond forgery lawyers at the Washington Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe will defend your interests in an effort to keep you out of prison, and avoid other punishments. If you're convicted of any forgery crime in Washington State, you could face repercussions that go beyond a judge's sentence, like losing your job.
Our professional lawyers will aggressively fight to protect your legal rights by pursuing the dismissal of your forgery charge. If it's not possible to do so, our Redmond forgery attorneys will do whatever the law allows to mitigate your punishments.
Schedule A Free Consultation With One Of Our Redmond Forgery LawyersIf you've been charged with forgery in Redmond, the court views this as a form of identity theft. Your Redmond forgery attorney will work with you in an effort to develop a strong defense. Prosecutors routinely seek maximum sentences in forgery and identity theft cases by showing how the actions of the accused damaged the credit of the innocent victim.
We urge anyone accused of forgery to seek legal counsel before speaking with the police or prosecuting attorney. We can help prevent you from saying anything that could be used by the prosecution as they build their case against you. We will then conduct an independent investigation of your case, and if we discover that any of the evidence was obtained illegally, we will move to have your charges dismissed.
Developing a legal defense takes time, but our Redmond forgery lawyers have more than 30 years of collective legal experience which they will utilize on your behalf. Our goal is to resolve your case as quickly as possible, fighting to protect your reputation so that you can move forward with your life.
Throughout the legal process process, your forgery lawyer will offer you sound legal counsel when you need it most. Your initial consultation is cost-free, and if you're concerned about paying legal fees, we can work out a payment plan that suits your finances. Don't let a Redmond forgery charge derail your life. Instead, contact our professional law office so that you can defend yourself against serious forgery charges.