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Forgery/Fraud

handcuffedForgery or fraud charges are serious accusations with potentially life-changing consequences. If convicted, you will face jail time, hefty fines, and reputational damage that follows you for years. Under Washington state law, forgery is creating or altering documents like checks, contracts, or IDs with the intent to deceive. Fraud could even go further and include acts like credit card fraud, identity theft, and insurance scams. While the charges might feel overwhelming, you don't have to face the Snohomish County Courts alone.

At our Everett legal defense firm, we've spent over 20 years defending clients. We know what it takes to build a strong defense against forgery and fraud charges in Snohomish County Courts. You're not just another case to us. You're our neighbor. Our Everett attorneys, who specialize in forgery and fraud, are here to stand by your side through the legal process. Let's take the first step together. Call our Everett legal offices today, and we'll work on your defense right away.

Why Work With Our Everett Legal Team

When you hire our attorneys, we bring a lot to the table. We've been defending your neighbors for over two decades against forgery and fraud charges. Here are some of the benefits of working with us:

  1. Experience In Snohomish County Courts: Our team has a solid track record at the Everett Municipal and Superior Courts. We understand how local judges and prosecutors handle cases of forgery and fraud, giving us an edge in crafting your defense.
  2. Proven Success In Forgery And Fraud Defense: With two decades of defending clients in Western Washington, we've built a robust portfolio of successfully handled forgery and fraud cases right here in Everett.
  3. Strategically Defending Forgery and Fraud Cases: Our Everett-based team is a master at dissecting the prosecution's arguments. We'll find weaknesses and build strong defenses against them.
  4. Tailored Defense Just For You: We will build a defense strategy tailored to your case. With over two decades of expertise, we know what works in Snohomish County Courts.
  5. Relentless Defense Every Step of the Way: Whether it's hammering out plea deals or advocating fiercely in court, our Everett attorneys stand firm in defending your rights, never backing down.
  6. Washington State Law Expertise: Because our Everett attorneys have been practicing in Western Washington for over 20 years, they know the law.
  7. Skilled Negotiations: Our lawyers possess refined negotiation skills, frequently convincing prosecutors to lessen charges or penalties, all thanks to our nuanced understanding of the local legal landscape.
  8. Local Everett Legal Expertise: We are local to Everett. We know the judges, prosecutors, and court staff at all the Snohomish County Courts. They also know us for our winning defense strategies.

When you work with our experienced Everett legal team, you get a defense team that brings a wealth of knowledge, a commitment to your case, and a strategic approach to handling forgery and fraud charges. We're here to fight against them.

Types Of Forgery And Fraud Cases In Washington State

Forgery and fraud are serious criminal offenses in Washington state that involve the intent to deceive or mislead for personal gain. There are several types of cases, each with its legal complexities and potential penalties, including:

  • Forgery Of Documents
  • Check Fraud
  • Credit Card Fraud
  • Identity Theft
  • Insurance Fraud
  • Mortgage Fraud
  • Bankruptcy Fraud
  • Wire Fraud
  • Tax Fraud
  • Securities Fraud
  • Mail Fraud
  • Welfare Fraud

Our attorneys are ready to provide a strong defense against any fraud or forgery charges you face in Snohomish County Courts.

What Are The Legal Penalties For Forgery In Washington State?

Forgery is a serious offense in Washington state. Forgery in the First Degree applies to forging legal documents such as checks, contracts, or IDs and is a Class C felony, with penalties of up to 5 years incarceration and fines of up to $10,000. Forgery in the Second Degree involves non-legal documents and is a Class D felony with penalties of up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $5,000. For minor offenses that don't meet felony criteria, misdemeanor forgery may apply, with penalties of up to 364 days in jail and fines of up to $5,000.

What Are The Legal Penalties For Fraud In Washington State?

In Washington state, the penalties for fraud vary based on the nature and severity of the crime. For instance, fraudulent misrepresentation, such as credit card or insurance fraud, is a Class C felony. In Bellevue, Class C felonies are punishable by up to 5 years in Washington state prison, fines of up to $10,000, and restitution to victims. More severe cases, like large-scale or organized fraud schemes, may be deemed Class B felonies, which are punishable with up to 10 years in Washington state prison and fines of up to $20,000. Wire or mail fraud involving substantial amounts or crossing state lines are Class B felonies, with potential fines reaching $250,000. Identity theft offenses are typically classified as Class B or C felonies, depending on the extent of the fraud, with corresponding penalties.

Work With Everett's Most Respected Attorneys

Whether you're grabbing a coffee at Antique Sandwich Company, shopping at Everett Mall, or enjoying a day at Jetty Island, Everett is a wonderful place to live. However, a forgery or fraud conviction can make it hard to enjoy our city. Just as Rucker Hill Park offers a safe and peaceful space for families, our goal is to give you the legal protection you need. If you've been accused of fraudulent activity in Snohomish County, our team is here to fight for you, as we've been defending Everett residents for over 20 years.

We firmly believe that fraud and forgery charges can always be challenged, no matter how serious the allegations. Count on our team of aggressive and skilled defense attorneys to protect your rights. When you work with us, we will minimize penalties and help you avoid the long-term consequences of a fraud or forgery conviction. Don't face this alone. Let us fight for you every step of the way.

Unfortunately, a forgery or fraud conviction in Everett, Washington, will follow you around for the rest of your life. Beyond possible jail, fines, probation, and restitution, a conviction for a crime of dishonesty will impact your ability to get a job and possibly even a place to live.

“Fraud” is when you use false statements to obtain an asset illegally, such as money, state benefits, and credit. There are numerous ways to perpetrate a fraud; hence, there are numerous different types of fraud charges an individual can face for their fraudulent actions. There are fraud laws governing issues ranging from welfare fraud, insurance fraud, and identity fraud to fraud involving liquor warehouse receipts, mock auctions, and sampling of metal/ore.

“Forgery,” on the other hand, is making false statements in writing to obtain an asset illegally. Forgery covers any paper, document, instrument containing written or printed matter, or any access device, token, stamp, seal, badge, trademark, or any other evidence or symbol of value, right, privilege, or identification.

Whether you are accused of fraud or forgery, it is extremely important to take the charge seriously. These types of cases can be complex at times, so it is extremely important to have an experienced attorney guide you through the difficult process. Call our Everett office today for a free consultation.

Client Reviews
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"Great service and follow up. Its a scary thing when you need a lawyer but Jason and his team make it less so. Very happy with our outcome." Scott Thibeault
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"Jason and his team are excellent!! Everyone on the staff is super helpful and always follows up as promised. Jason has continuously gone above and beyond what's expected of him, which really put me at ease and let me know he was there to have my back. He's extremely knowledgeable of the law, has tons of experience, and make sure he takes the time to get the best outcome possible. Things would have been much worse for me without Jason's help." Jesse H.
★★★★★
"Jason Newcombe is an excellent attorney. He is professional, well-spoken and intent on achieving the goals set out during his initial counseling. If you are looking for an attorney to best represent you throughout your court process, Mr. Newcombe is a gifted rhetoric who presents his cases flawlessly and dedicates the entirety of his free time into making sure his clients receive the best possible outcome." G. S.
★★★★★
"Jason Newcombe and his Associate's are all top notch individuals who will fight tooth and nail for you and go the distance to ensure that you receive the best outcome possible on your case. I would not be where I am today if not for the Law offices of Jason Newcombe." Eric Brandt
★★★★★
"From start to finish with the DUI process Jason Newcombe's office has been more than helpful, friendly, honest and respectful.From the beginning, Jason was on our side and fighting our battle with us. He flat out laid out our options honestly and gave us his opinion on which was the best way to go, but never made the decision for us. Jason is very professional yet personable. We are completely satisfied with our end result. Couldn't ask for a better lawyer to be on your side." Christina P.