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Forgery
To forge is to create a false copy in an effort to defraud someone or something. Therefore, the crime of forgery is the act of defrauding someone through the act of altering or falsifying a written document. When someone forges a signature or writes a bad check with the intent to defraud, this is known as uttering a forged instrument. Forgery is very similar to the crime of fraud as they both are deceptive in nature. Fraud typically involves forged items to complete the criminal act, however forgery is reserved to written documents as fraud may involve other objects that have been copied or reproduced.
It is important to understand that there is a difference between forgery and false pretenses. For something to be considered forgery, the fraud must be performed as a written document that has legal value or significance. For instance, simply writing a falsehood that has no legal bearing isn’t forgery, but if the act has legal significance, it is forgery. Forgery is also different from the criminal act of counterfeiting. It typically involves changing the names of signatures or altering documents for the purpose of fraud and thievery. Forgery could be summed up as the willful alteration or change of written documents with the sole purpose or intention of defrauding.
The crime of forgery may be a federal or state offense, or it may be both. Sometimes legal documents are forged, such as a birth certificate or property title or deed, and it is a criminal act against the state. However, if someone forges a document and then sends it through the United States postal service, the act becomes a federal offense. If you have been charged with forgery then it is important to determine if you are facing state or federal charges, or both. You should seek a free evaluation of your case from an experienced criminal defense attorney who has experience handling both federal and state forgery charges.
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To forge is to create a false copy in an effort to defraud someone or something. Therefore, the crime of forgery is the act of defrauding someone through the act of altering or falsifying a written document. When someone forges a signature or writes a bad check with the intent to defraud, this is known as uttering a forged instrument. Forgery is very similar to the crime of fraud as they both are deceptive in nature. Fraud typically involves forged items to complete the criminal act, however forgery is reserved to written documents as fraud may involve other objects that have been copied or reproduced.
It is important to understand that there is a difference between forgery and false pretenses. For something to be considered forgery, the fraud must be performed as a written document that has legal value or significance. For instance, simply writing a falsehood that has no legal bearing isn’t forgery, but if the act has legal significance, it is forgery. Forgery is also different from the criminal act of counterfeiting. It typically involves changing the names of signatures or altering documents for the purpose of fraud and thievery. Forgery could be summed up as the willful alteration or change of written documents with the sole purpose or intention of defrauding.
The crime of forgery may be a federal or state offense, or it may be both. Sometimes legal documents are forged, such as a birth certificate or property title or deed, and it is a criminal act against the state. However, if someone forges a document and then sends it through the United States postal service, the act becomes a federal offense. If you have been charged with forgery then it is important to determine if you are facing state or federal charges, or both. You should seek a free evaluation of your case from an experienced criminal defense attorney who has experience handling both federal and state forgery charges.
Search reputable criminal lawyers and attorneys for all your legal needs simply by entering your local zip code.
We've compiled the most comprehensive database of local lawyers and attorneys throughout the country and we'll show you the ones that are closest to you.
Thank you for visiting eLocalLawyers.com and we hope you find this information helpful.