When a daughter pushed for the Weld County DA’s office to reopen the investigation into the death of her father, she probably never imagined she and her mother would be the ones who ended up with criminal charges – for Forgery. The man who passed away was beat up by a couple who were upset that he parked his car on a public street preventing them from viewing the high school football game from their house. A few weeks later, the man passed away from a brain injury and the man’s family blamed the couple for his death. Initially, police were not willing to reopen the case because the couple had pled guilty to disorderly conduct and it would be double jeopardy to charge them for the death. However, after a local media source got involved, the Wed County District Attorney’s office reconsidered. Through their investigation, though, the man’s ex-wife and daughter ended up being charged with Forgery because allegations were made that the deceased’s power of attorney document was forged to give his daughter the power of attorney and his ex-wife acted as the notary.
Weld County Forgery Lawyer: What is the Definition of 1st Degree Forgery?
The Colorado law definition of Forgery – C.R.S. 18-5-102 – is:
(a) Part of an issue of money, stamps, securities, or other valuable instruments issued by a government or government agency; or
(b) Part of an issue of stock, bonds, or other instruments representing interests in or claims against a corporate or other organization or its property; or
(c) A deed, will, codicil, contract, assignment, commercial instrument, promissory note, check, or other instrument which does or may evidence, create, transfer, terminate, or otherwise affect a legal right, interest, obligation, or status; or
(d) A public record or an instrument filed or required by law to be filed or legally fileable in or with a public office or public servant; or
(e) A written instrument officially issued or created by a public office, public servant, or government agency; or
(f) Part of an issue of tokens, transfers, certificates, or other articles manufactured and designed for use in transportation fees upon public conveyances, or as symbols of value usable in place of money for the purchase of property or services available to the public for compensation; or
(g) Part of an issue of lottery tickets or shares designed for use in the lottery held pursuant to part 2 of article 35 of title 24, C.R.S.; or
(h) A document-making implement that may be used or is used in the production of a false identification document or in the production of another document-making implement to produce false identification documents.
Felony Forgery is charged in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County when someone fakes a document or identity that is related to the government. Any official document that is filed with the government which has been altered or falsely created may result in Forgery charges. The women above are accused of falsely signing and notarizing a power of attorney (meeting part c of the above definition).
Greeley Forgery Lawyer: What is the Sentence / Punishment for 1st Degree Forgery?
First Degree Forgery (as described above) in Greeley, Erie, and Evans, is a class 5 felony which is punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $100,000 in fines. This means the women could be facing prison time for trying to get justice for the man they loved.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Forgery, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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