Forgery in Tacoma

In Washington state, law enforcement can charge you with forgery if someone accuses you of using a written document to commit fraud. You can face forgery charges for:

• Signing another person's name on checks to illegally access funds
• Altering terms in a legal contract post-signature without the consent of all involved parties
• Creating or modifying official documents like driver's licenses or birth certificates to falsify identity or qualifications

Forgery is very serious. A conviction comes with steep legal penalties like fines, jail time, and the loss of your professional credibility. Unfortunately, in a city with a financial sector as large as Tacoma, forgery charges often arise from simple mistakes and misunderstanding regulatory laws.

No matter the circumstances behind your forgery charges, know that you are not alone. For over 20 years, our forgery defense attorneys in Tacoma have been fighting charges in Western Washington Courts. Contact our law offices to learn how we can help you.

In Tacoma, the Pierce County prosecutors pursue forgery charges at:

Pierce County Superior Court

930 Tacoma Ave S.

Our Tacoma defense attorneys specialize in defending forgery charges in court. Contact our law offices now if you are facing charges for any of the following:

• Forgery: Making, altering, or possessing false documents or signatures with intent to defraud
• Possession Of Forged Instruments: Possessing forged documents with knowledge of their fraudulent nature
• Criminal Impersonation: Pretending to be another person to commit fraud or gain a benefit
• Forgery Of Financial Instruments: Forging checks, money orders, or other negotiable instruments
• Forgery Of Identification: Creating or possessing false identification cards or documents
• Falsely Making Or Altering Documents Related To Real Estate: Forging documents in connection with real estate transactions
• Possessing Or Using A Forged Driver's License: Using a forged driver's license or identification card
• Forgery In Legal Documents: Forging legal documents, including wills and contracts
• Attempted Forgery: Attempting to create, alter, or possess forged documents
• Forgery Of Public Records: Forging or altering government records or documents

Our Tacoma forgery defense attorneys approach every case ready to fight. We start by thoroughly examining and questioning the validity of the prosecution's evidence against you, and then we explore all legal avenues for raising reasonable doubt to dismiss your charges. Further, we consider potential mitigating factors that could lead to reduced charges or penalties. Because our attorneys specialize in forgery defense, we know how to get a favorable outcome for your case.

In Washington state, both forgery and fraud are considered serious crimes. However, state law makes a distinct difference between the two charges:

Forgery typically involves the creation, modification, or utilization of a written document intended to mislead others for financial gain. You may face charges for forgery if you sign someone else's name on a check or falsify an official document like a deed or a contract. Under Washington state law, the Courts charge forgery as a Class C felony.

Fraud, on the other hand, includes any deceptive act done to secure unfair or unlawful gain. It includes identity theft, insurance fraud, and credit card fraud. The specifics of your fraud charge can widely vary based on your actions, how you executed them, and the amount of money or the value of the property involved. In Washington state, the courts charge fraud as a misdemeanor or felony, which has very steep penalties.

Forgery charges require the falsification of documents. Thus, investigators rely on handwriting analysis to examine the authenticity of disputed documents. Handwriting experts analyze characteristics like letter formation, line quality, and writing pressure. Then, they compare the questioned document against verified samples. Handwriting analysis can reveal inconsistencies in letters or signs of imitation and determine whether someone forged the document or not and if they were under duress. Handwriting analysis can make or break a forgery case by providing evidence on whether the document in question was authentically written or fraudulently altered.

In Washington state, a conviction for forgery has steep penalties, including:

• Up to five years in prison
• Fines of up to $10,000
• Probation
• Community service
• Restitution
• Permanent criminal record

Our Tacoma legal team will fight for lenient sentencing and alternative punishments. Contact our Pierce County forgery defense attorneys now for assistance.

Under Washington state law, the Pierce County prosecution must prove that you intended to commit forgery to secure a conviction. Without demonstrating this intent, the act might not constitute forgery, even if the document in question was altered or fabricated. Thus, proving or disproving intent can determine the outcome of a forgery case.

Tacoma is a center for the financial industry and is home to leading banking, insurance, trade, and tax services businesses. With busy financial districts like Downtown Tacoma, the Tacoma Mall area, and the Port of Tacoma, it is home to major companies. Further, with growing areas like the 6th Avenue District, Proctor District, and Dome Districts, the city sees a high volume of financial transactions daily. In a place where documents circulate widely, and business deals are frequent, the opportunities for mistakes increase. Sometimes, these mistakes lead to forgery charges.

Our Tacoma-based forgery defense attorneys firmly believe that every case presents opportunities for challenge. We'll conduct our own investigation into the matter, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and find all the ways to establish reasonable doubt. If you or a loved one is facing a forgery charge, it is imperative to consult our attorneys skilled in forgery law. We can employ several legal strategies to achieve a favorable outcome. Call our Tacoma law offices now for a free consultation.

Forgery is a serious crime in Tacoma, and the punishments associated with a conviction can dramatically affect your life and destroy your reputation. Forgery is a criminal charge levied against people who attempt to defraud a person, business, or organization by falsifying a written instrument, or putting it forth while fully aware that it's forged. Tacoma forgery cases involve a variety of crimes that include identity theft, altering medical prescriptions, credit card or check fraud, and embezzlement, among others. Forgery is a Class C felony in the State of Washington, which means that a conviction incurs a criminal record.

If you've been charged with one of these serious crimes, our Tacoma forgery lawyers will protect your rights and defend your interests. The punishments resulting from an Tacoma forgery conviction will likely include jail time and expensive fines, not to mention the fact that it could make it hard for you to find an employer or even obtain a loan for a home.

At the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe, our Tacoma forgery attorneys protect our clients interests by seeking to have their charges dismissed or reduced. If this proves impossible, our lawyers will then work diligently to mitigate the punishments associated with the crime. Washington law guarantees your right to a legal defense, so contact our law office today so that we can go over the details of your forgery case.

After being charged with a forgery crime in Tacoma, it's important to take a proactive stance to protect your legal rights. Even though you may feel like your entire world is in turmoil, you can start getting answers by speaking with our Tacoma forgery attorneys.

It's also important to obtain professional legal counsel before you speak to anyone in law enforcement, including the police. Advice from our experienced forgery lawyers may prevent you from saying something that could be construed as incriminating. As we then proceed to investigate your case, we will fight to prevent any illegally collected evidence from being used in your prosecution.

Building a defense is never easy, but our Tacoma forgery lawyers have more than 30 years of collective experience and know how best to approach these often complex cases. Your attorney will seek to resolve your Tacoma forgery case as quickly as possible so that you can put the whole ordeal in your past.

While handling the legal process, your forgery attorney will treat you with kindness and courtesy. If you're worried about the cost of a lawyer we will even work out a convenient payment plan. Don't settle for anything less than experienced legal representation as you navigate the complex legal waters of a Tacoma forgery case. A Tacoma forgery conviction can be life-altering in a number of ways, so contact our law office for a private case evaluation without delay.