In Weld County, you can be charged with Forgery if make, complete, or alter documents with an intent to defraud. A good example is a Boulder woman facing Forgery charges and Attempting to Influence a Public Servant. She allegedly faked COVID-19 positive and hospital documents to get out of traveling to face theft charges. A Forgery charge can be a felony or misdemeanor offense depending on your circumstances. Having a top Weld County Forgery defense attorney is best for your case and future. Below the attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office will discuss 4 Key Points you need to remember:
- The Forgery Definition at C.R.S. 18-5-102, Must be met by by Greeley DAs.
- Falsifying or Changing Paper Documents Can Land you in a Colorado Prison
- Common Examples of Forged Documents in Greeley
- Defenses to Forgery and Why Hire an Experienced Weld County Attorney
#1. The Forgery Definition at C.R.S. 18-5-102, Must be met by by Greeley DAs
Forgery involves intent to defraud, when a person falsely makes, completes, alters, or utters a written instrument which is or purports to be, or which is calculated to become or to represent if completed:
(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
In the case above if the woman created a fake document and a positive COVID-19 test result to avoid court, so she could be charged with Forgery. Many people think that simply altering paperwork is relatively harmless. In reality, people can lose their house or life savings based on falsified documents. Our society must have a safe means to record ownership and transfer money. Stealing from others who might be financially devastated is a big deal in many judge’s eyes.
#2. Falsifying or Changing Paper Documents in Weld County Can Land you in a Colorado Prison
The sentence for falsifying or changing documents in Weld County can result in a prison sentence. The number of years and severity of offense for a Forgery conviction is dependent on the type of document.
- Falsifying cash, stock certificates, or legal documents is a class 5 Felony – Punishable by 1-3 years in Department of Corrections and a fine of $1,000 – $100,000.
- Possessing legal or financial forged documents or a forgery device is a class 6 Forgery. The sentence is 1 – 18 months in DOC and a fine of $1,000 to $100,000.
- Carrying other types of forged documents is punished is a class 2 Misdemeanor. The sentence for a class 2 misdemeanor is 12 months in Weld County Jail and a fine of $250 to $1,000.
- Forging academic records is a class 1 misdemeanor. It is punishable by anywhere from 6 – 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
#3. Common Examples of Forgery and Forged Documents in Greeley, Colorado
In Greeley, some examples of forged documents could be:
- A Will or codicil to a Will
- An academic record
- A falsified tax return
- A false job recommendation
- Using a false Social Security Number on an application
- Faking or changing a college transcript to help you get a job
#4 Defenses to a Forgery Charge and Why Hire an Experienced Weld County Attorney?
Our Weld County Attorneys who have more than 30 years experience aggressively defending clients’ rights is who you want defending you. Top Weld criminal defense attorneys know the details of your case and combine that with the law to develop believable defenses. We help you navigate the Weld County Courts, so you are never caught off-guard. Some defenses that can be used in Forgery charges are:
- You did not intend to defraud anyone
- The document does not qualify as a forged document
- You did not knowingly possess a forged instrument
- The police committed an illegal search or seizure
- Your document was changed by someone else, not you, and you relied on its accuracy
g to meet with one of our attorneys here in Greeley. Together, we can protect your future.
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