Puyallup Forgery & Fraud

White-collar crimes are typically financially motivated crimes. What sets them apart is the typical length, scope, and complexity of the investigation and defense, as well as the lack of violence involved in the crime.

Many people equate the expression "white-collar crime" with big money and corporate crime, as terms like “pyramid scheme” or “Ponzi scheme” have made their way into the mainstream. Now that the use of computers and the Internet is so prevalent in everyday life, more and more ordinary people find themselves facing white-collar crime charges every day. Sometimes, people think they can get away with things, especially when it doesn't feel like they are hurting anyone because they're not dealing with them face to face. Then, all of a sudden, the police are at their door. They seize the computer, bank accounts, and the car, and these people are on their way to state or federal prison.

If you believe that you are under investigation for any form of white-collar offense, it is vital to contact a Pierce County criminal defense lawyer. Speaking with investigators without the representation and advice of an attorney could adversely impact your defense.

The complex nature of white-collar cases means that an accused is likely to have many questions, such as

• What is considered a white-collar crime in Washington state?
• Is fraud considered a victimless crime in Pierce County?
• What is required to prove forgery in Puyallup?
• How severe is the punishment for conviction of a white-collar crime in Washington state?

Although this page attempts to impart some general knowledge about white-collar crimes, and forgery and fraud, in particular, it does not replace the personalized advice of professional legal counsel. Every case is unique and requires a specialized unique defense strategy. Some white-collar charges our team of Puyallup criminal defense attorneys have handled include

• Fraud
• Forgery
• Embezzlement
• Identity Theft
• Counterfeiting
• Tax Evasion

With over 50 combined years of experience practicing criminal law in Washington state, our Puyallup white-collar criminal defense attorneys are here to assist you every step of the way throughout the investigation process and will work with you to create the best plan for your unique situation. We understand this situation is stressful and we are ready to provide our full attention.

Put simply, forgery is the unauthorized altering of a written document with the intent to defraud a person, organization, or government entity.

Washington state statute RCW 9A.60.020 posits that

1) A person is guilty of forgery if, with intent to injure or defraud:
(a) He or she falsely makes, completes, or alters a written instrument or;
(b) He or she possesses, utters, offers, disposes of, or puts off as true a written instrument which he or she knows to be forged.

Because forgery charges in Washington state depend on the facts and circumstances of each case, seemingly innocent activities, such as signing your spouse’s name on a check, can turn into life-altering criminal charges.

However, forgery extends beyond just signing someone’s name on a blank check. Some other instances of forged documents include

• Power of attorney
• Last wills and testaments
• Vehicle ownership documents
• Mortgage deeds
• Money orders
• Leases
• Digital signatures

Forgery in Pierce County is charged as a Class C Felony, punishable by up to 5 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. All felony trials are adjudicated at the Pierce County Superior Court, located in downtown Tacoma.

Criminal offenses involving fraud can be difficult to understand. Though these crimes may be punished harshly under Washington law, it is possible to commit a crime without being aware of the serious nature of the offense or even aware that a crime has been committed at all.

In Pierce County, the most commonly charged fraud crime is criminal impersonation. There are two levels of criminal impersonation charges

1. Criminal Impersonation in the First Degree- Classified as a Class C Felony, this charge is punishable by up to 1 year in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Washington State statute RCW 9A.60.040 defines Criminal Impersonation 1 as a person who “assumes a false identity and does an act in his or her assumed character with intent to defraud another or for any other unlawful purpose; or (b) Pretends to be a representative of some person or organization or a public servant and does an act in his or her pretended capacity with intent to defraud another or for any other unlawful purpose.”
2. Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree- This charge involves a person pretending to be an officer of the law or falsely assuming the identity of a veteran or active duty military member with intent to defraud. An example of this charge would be a person pretending to be a veteran to gain the benefits of using the VA hospital. This charge is classified as a gross misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Other fraud charges our Puyallup criminal defense attorneys have handled include

• Check Fraud
• Insurance Fraud
• Unemployment Fraud
• Workers Compensation Fraud
• Welfare Fraud
• Credit Card Fraud
• Tax Fraud

Depending on the amount of money or the circumstances involved, crimes involving fraud or forgery may be punished as misdemeanors or felonies. Most misdemeanor cases are adjudicated at the Pierce County District Court, and all felony trials are adjudicated at the Pierce County Superior Court. Both courthouses are located in downtown Tacoma, just a few short miles away from Puyallup.

As it is with any criminal charge, the State must prove several elements in order for a person to be convicted. The criminal act must have been committed, and there must have been cause and intent. An experienced Pierce County white-collar defense attorney can challenge one or all of these elements to protect you from a conviction.

Being investigated for a white-collar offense like forgery or fraud is very serious. In many cases, simply being charged with an offense is enough to destroy your life. That’s why it’s so important that you seek help from a knowledgeable lawyer if you have reason to believe you’re being investigated or you have been charged. Contact our Puyallup criminal defense attorneys today to set up a free case evaluation.