Forgery

When you alter or replicate a document for the purpose of deceiving another party, you have committed the crime of forgery. Creating copies or replications without meaning to defraud another person or party, however, is not forgery; the intent to mislead must be present.

For example, signing the receipt for an item charged on a stolen credit card is an act of forgery. Creating counterfeit money to use when purchasing items is also considered to be forgery. Finally, altering the content of documents, such as wills or checks, in order to ensure that you benefit as you wish, is legally deemed to be forgery.

Forgery and Fraud

Forgery is considered to be an act of fraud. Fraud, which is the act of deception in order to achieve some sort of personal gain, is often completed with the use of forged items. Because forgery is considered to be such a serious crime, it is punished quite severely. Those accused of committing forgery will face either misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the specific situation.

Typically, counterfeiting money is a felonious act, and offenders will face high fines and lengthy jail sentences if convicted. On the other hand, forging a contract or similar document is commonly considered a misdemeanor. Offenders may still face jail time and fines, although they will be significantly less.

Contact Us

If you have been accused of forgery, then you will need a capable and qualified defense attorney to represent you in court. Contact a Las Vegas criminal lawyer from William Palmer & Associates, P.C. today at 702-888-2222 to speak with us about your situation.