Are you facing forgery charges in San Diego, CA? The criminal charges you could face for forgery depend on several factors, including the circumstances of the case and the amount of money involved.
For over a decade, our legal team at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers has fought for the rights of individuals charged with crimes in California. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling criminal cases. We are seasoned trial lawyers and skilled negotiators who will fight for your rights during plea negotiations and in court.
Contact Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our San Diego forgery lawyers, or call our San Diego Office at (619) 357-4977.
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How Our San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help You if You Are Charged With Forgery
If you are facing forgery charges in San Diego, California, you must begin building your defense immediately. Forgery is a wobbler, which means you could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. The penalties for forgery can be severe. You need an experienced forgery attorney on your side.
When you hire our award-winning San Diego criminal defense lawyers, you can trust we will:
- Thoroughly investigate the forgery charges against you
- Analyze the evidence the state has against you to determine the weaknesses and strengths of the prosecution’s case
- Gather evidence supporting your defense
- Work with expert witnesses as necessary to obtain additional evidence to strengthen your case
- Negotiate fair plea deals when going to trial is not in your best interest
- File various motions to protect your rights, including motions to dismiss and suppress evidence
- Take your case to trial if that is the best option
Our attorneys have top ratings from numerous legal organizations, including a 10.0 Superb rating with Avvo. We have received recognition for our legal services from Super Lawyers, Expertise.com, The National Trial Lawyers, and America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys.
Call Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced San Diego theft crimes lawyer.
Overview of Forgery Laws in California
California Penal Code §470 defines forgery as:
- Falsifying or changing a legal document;
- Signing someone else’s name without authority from that person;
- Forging, altering, or falsifying certain documents, such as bonds, checks, contracts, money orders, property deeds, stock certificates, traveler’s checks, and lottery tickets; OR,
- Forging or counterfeiting someone else’s handwriting or the seal on a document.
Several crimes are related to or associated with forgery, such as making or selling counterfeit goods, check fraud, and credit card fraud.
Penalties for a Conviction of Fraud in California
Forgery is a wobbler offense, meaning it can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony. If the transaction’s value is $950 or less and involves a money order, check, or similar instrument, the court treats the crime as a misdemeanor.
The penalties for a misdemeanor forgery charge include:
- Up to one year in county jail
- A maximum fine of $1,000
- Summary probation
However, if you have a prior conviction for certain violent offenses or sex crimes, forgery may be upgraded to a felony. If the forgery is charged as a felony, the penalties for a conviction include:
- Up to three years in prison
- A maximum fine of $10,000
- Formal probation
In addition to the above penalties, a forgery conviction could negatively affect your immigration status. If the court determines that you committed a crime involving moral turpitude, you could be deported or listed as inadmissible. If you are convicted of a felony, you may lose your right to own or possess a gun.
Potential Defenses to Forgery Charges in San Diego, CA
Depending on the evidence and facts of your case, your attorney may pursue one or more defenses to forgery charges. Potential defenses to forgery include:
Lack of Intent to Defraud
The prosecution must prove that you committed an illegal act of forgery and you had the intent to defraud another person. If you claim that you did not intend to defraud someone, it may be difficult for the prosecution to prove your intent. If the only evidence of intent is circumstantial, your attorney may be able to create reasonable doubt for an acquittal.
The Police Violated Your Rights
If the police coerced a confession, performed an illegal search and seizure, or lacked probable cause for an arrest, the evidence obtained may not be admissible in court. Without the evidence, the prosecution may be unable to prove the legal elements of a forgery charge.
The Forgery Allegations Are False
A person may accuse you of forgery to cover up their wrongdoing, pursuit of vengeance, or for other reasons. In such a scenario, your attorney will gather evidence proving that you did nothing wrong and that your accuser is the person who should be charged with forgery or other wrongdoing.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our San Diego Forgery Lawyers
In addition to criminal penalties, a forgery conviction could result in collateral consequences for your personal life and professional reputation. Contact Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers to discuss your legal rights and defense options if you are charged with a forgery offense. Our San Diego forgery lawyers will aggressively pursue all defenses to protect your legal rights.
