I’m assuming that if you were trying to cash a check that was not yours to cash, you would probably want to keep a low profile and try not to stand out. So, I would imagine you would write the check for an amount that would not raise red flags. You would definitely not want to write the check for $360,000,000,000. Apparently one man didn’t really understand the ‘stay under the radar’ thinking because he did try to get a $360 billion check cashed and he ended up in jail. The man told police his girlfriend’s mom gave him the check so he could start a record business. However, upon further investigation the mother told police she did not give him permission to take or cash the check. The man was charged with Forgery, a felony in Weld County and the state of Colorado.
Forgery in Weld County
The Colorado definition of Forgery – C.R.S. 18-5-102 – is:
- Part of an issue of money, stamps, securities, or other valuable instruments issued by a government or government agency; or
- 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
- 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
- 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
- A written instrument officially issued or created by a public office, public servant, or government agency; or
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Under the third bullet point, it specifically states ‘check,’ so the man was charged with this crime because he falsely completed a check to receive money that he was not authorized to receive. As a class 5 felony in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County, Forgery is punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $100,000 in fines. In some cases, the court can impose up to ninety days in the Weld County Jail as a condition of probation.
Have you been charged with Forgery? Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office to defend you today!
Have you been charged with Forgery? Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office to defend you today!
While this man’s claim that he was authorized to obtain the funds seems a little far fetched, often these charges result from a miscommunication. When facing a felony charge, it is important you have an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for you. Your future is too important to leave to chance.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Forgery in Greeley, Windsor, or Erie, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – Gadini