Forgery can take many forms, but it typically occurs when a person signs a document without consent or authorization, signs a false name to a document or creates a false document with the intent to perpetrate a fraud. Checks are the most commonly forged documents, although forgery of any legal document may be considered criminal conduct.

Forgery may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, and punishments for forgery may include supervised or unsupervised probation, fines and — in more serious forgery cases — jail time.

Forgery is commonly referred to as a “White Collar Crime,” which also includes crimes such as fraud, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, identity theft and embezzlement, among other crimes.

“White Collar Crime” defense is a specialized area of criminal law and anyone charged with forgery or a similar offense should retain a criminal defense attorney with significant experience defending individuals against such allegations. A vigorous defense often requires a comprehensive understanding of complex financial records and business transactions, and our team has over 90 years of combined experience defending white collar charges.