Philadelphia Forgery Defense Lawyer
Forgery occurs when someone alters a document or any financial instrument without consent, create or complete any fictitious document or financial instrument, or use a forged document or item in order to defraud or injure another individual or entity for personal gain. Documents or instruments are often construed as, but is not limited to, contracts, will, paper money, coins, deeds, stamps, credit cards, identification cards, seals and trademarks.
Types of Forgery Crimes in Philadelphia
Examples of forgery include the following:
- Signing another individual’s name on a check
- Cashing a forged check at a financial institution
- Alerting a financial document
- Altering the amount on a check without consent
- Making a false deed or other real estate document
- Using a forged instrument or document to acquire or transfer money or property
If you have been arrested for forgery in Pennsylvania, our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers at Law Offices of Lloyd Long are ready to fight for you. With extensive knowledge of the state and federal legal system and court proceedings, our experienced and skilled team can successfully handle a variety of theft and white collar crimes.
What is the Punishment for Forgery in Philadelphia?
In Pennsylvania, basic forgery is considered a first-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by a maximum prison or jail sentence of five years and a fine of up to $10,000. However, if it involves the fabrication or altercation of a will, contract, deed, or any other document which affects legal relations, the charges could be elevated to a third-degree felony. Punishment for a third-degree penalty is a maximum prison sentence of seven years and a fine of up to 15,000.
A forgery offense could be further increased to a second-degree felony if the writing is or implies to be part of an instrument issued by the government, such as paper money, securities or postage stamps, or an instrument representing an interest in a business or property, including socks, bonds, or a certificate of interest regarding a business partnership. A second-degree felony is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of ten years and a fine of up to $25,000.
Contact Our Philadelphia Forgery Defense Attorneys Today
At the Law Offices of Lloyd Long, our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers are ready to represent your rights and best interests. With more than 45 years of legal experience, we have successfully handled over 20,000 cases. With the penalties this harsh, do not risk hiring mediocre legal services. Instead, hire one that can provide you the aggressive and personalized representation necessary to have your charges reduces or your case entirely dismissed. So, do not hesitate retain our legal counsel today. Contact us and schedule your initial consultation today.
