Fraud and Forgery Lawyer at the Weld County Courthouse
Top Greeley, Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney for Identity Theft, Criminal Impersonation, and Other Offenses
Fraud and Forgery crimes at the Weld County Courthouse are non-violent offenses that involve actions such as falsifying documents, fraudulently using another person’s identity, or signing another person’s name. Forgery, Identity Theft, and Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Device are just a few crimes that fall under this category. A conviction for most of these offenses can involve time at the Weld County Jail or even years in the Colorado Department of Corrections / DOC. If you have been charged with a Fraud or Forgery crime, it is critical that you seek out the best Weld County criminal defense lawyer to represent you at the Weld County Court.
Information on Fraud and Forgery Crimes in Weld County
Identity Theft, Criminal Impersonation, and Other Fraud Charges
Information on Fraud and Forgery crimes like Identity Theft and Criminal Impersonation in Weld County can be found at the following links:
- Criminal Impersonation, C.R.S. 18-5-113
- False Information to Pawnbrokers, C.R.S. 29-11.9-104
- Identity Theft, C.R.S. 18-5-902
- Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Device, C.R.S. 18-5-702
Weld County Forgery, C.R.S. 18-5-102 | What Kinds of Falsified Documents Will Result in Forgery Charges?
In Weld County, Forgery, C.R.S. 18-5-102, is the act of defrauding another person or entity by creating a false document, or changing information on an original document. Under this statute, Forgery can be charged if a person forges a deed, stock, bond, contract, will, check, money, or similar document. Other Forgery crimes include Use of Forged Academic Record, C.R.S. 18-5-104.5, and Second Degree Forgery, C.R.S. 18-5-104. Classifications for these offenses range between a class 2 misdemeanor and class 5 felony in Weld County.
Greeley Identity Theft, C.R.S. 18-5-902 | Pretending to be Someone Else
Identity Theft, C.R.S. 18-5-902, can be charged for one of several different actions in Greeley. In general, this crime is charged when a person uses another’s personal or financial identification information to fraudulently gain a benefit, such as another person’s money. Identity Theft can be a class 2 misdemeanor, class 6 felony, or class 4 felony, depending on the intent and number of victims involved. If the defendant has been previously convicted of Identity Theft, or an attempt or conspiracy to engage in Identity Theft, the Weld County Court will sentence him to a mandatory Colorado prison sentence. In other words, he cannot serve probation or another sentencing alternative in lieu of incarceration if it is his second or subsequent offense.
Weld County Criminal Impersonation, C.R.S. 18-5-113 in the Greeley Criminal Court
Criminal Impersonation, C.R.S. 18-5-113, is defined as the act of knowingly assuming a false identity in Greeley to engage in a fraudulent act. Such acts under this statute include using the false identity to marry another person, subject another person to legal action, or become bail or surety for another person. Depending on the act, Criminal Impersonation can be a class 2 misdemeanor, class 1 misdemeanor, or class 6 felony.
Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Device, C.R.S. 18-5-702 in Greeley
In Greeley, Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Device, C.R.S. 18-5-702, is charged when a person uses another person’s credit card, an expired or canceled credit or debit card, or a similar device to fraudulently obtain money, property, or other item of value. This crime can also be charged when a person uses a financial transaction device in an unauthorized manner, such as with no permission, or beyond the scope of permission. This would include charging too many purchases or buying things not expressly permitted by your employer. Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Device can range anywhere between a petty offense and a class 2 felony, depending on the value of the item(s) the person fraudulently obtained.
Penalties for Fraud and Forgery Crimes
Will I Go to the Weld County Jail / Colorado DOC for a Fraud Crime?
Penalties that may be imposed for a Fraud or Forgery crime in Weld County – including time at the Weld County Jail or Colorado DOC. Many of these offenses are misdemeanors or even petty offenses, punishable by incarceration at the Weld County Jail for up to 364 days per offense and a maximum $1,000 fine. When a person is convicted of a felony Fraud or Forgery offense, he or she can face much harsher penalties, such as:
- Years in the Colorado Department of Corrections / DOC
- A fine of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars
- Mandatory parole following incarceration in a Colorado prison
- Mandatory firearm and ammunition relinquishment
- Restitution payments
This type of charges can be terrifying, and the impact that these penalties have on a person’s life cannot be overstated. You can lose your house, car, and freedom.
Charged with a Fraud or Forgery Crime? Talk to the Best Greeley Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
If you have been charged with a Fraud or Forgery crime, it is crucial that you talk to the best Greeley criminal defense lawyers about your charges today. Don’t underestimate the damage that conviction of one of these crimes will exact on you and your future. Even misdemeanor charges will result in time at the Weld County Jail and a court criminal record that could result in your job loss.
With a top criminal defense attorney, however, your future doesn’t have to be wrecked by penalties like these. For over three decades, we have successfully represented dozens of clients at the Greeley and Weld County Court. Our years of experience, compassion for our clients, and mutual respect for the District Attorneys are what make us unparalleled to any other criminal defense lawyer in Colorado. Don’t wait - call us today so that we can help you protect your future.