Forgery
Forgery is a serious offense under both Texas and federal law whose penalties could change your life forever. The white-collar crime is defined as someone making, altering, using, or possessing a false writing in order to commit a fraud. Although forgery is perceived as an “invisible” offense, it is a prevalent crime in the United States.
A conviction for forgery comes with potentially harsh penalties such as several years in prison and significant fines. You could also face trouble obtaining professional licensing or employment as well because of your criminal record. Forgery carries a stigma that is difficult to erase and this is why it’s best to secure the legal counsel of a practiced white collar crime lawyer in San Antonio, TX.
Forgery Defense Lawyer | Bexar County, TX
Are you searching for a forgery defense lawyer to represent you in court? If so, contact Goldstein & Orr. Criminal defense lawyers Gerald Goldstein, Cynthia Orr and their legal team have defended hundreds of Texans arrested for various white-collar crimes such as forgery, bribery, identity theft, and insurance fraud. They can help you determine the proper course of action to address your forgery accusations.
Call Goldstein & Orr today at (210) 226-1463 to discuss your legal options during a free, initial consultation. Our legal team will carefully review the facts surrounding your case and gather evidence on your behalf that results in a reduction or dismissal of charges. Goldstein & Orr serves individuals in throughout the State of Texas including Castle Hills, Converse, Alamo Heights, Austin, Kirby, Olmos Park, Windcrest, Selma, Houston, Shavano Park, San Antonio, Dallas, and Balcones Heights.
Information Center
What is Forgery?
Under Texas Penal Code 32.21, forgery refers to the crime of altering, making, completing, executing, or authenticating any writing with the intention of defrauding or harming another person. The statute also defines forgery as:
- Altering a document that is not authorized by the appropriate person
- Altering a document that states it was executed at a time or place or in a numbered sequence when in fact that isn’t the case; or
- Altering a document that is a “copy” of an original for a document that doesn’t exist
- Issuing, passing, registering the transfer of, transferring, or publishing a forged writing
The term writing is defined under Texas Penal Code 32.21 as any:
- Printing or any other method of recording information
- Trademarks, stamps, seals, money, coins, credit cards
- Symbols of value privilege, identification, or right
Is Forgery a Felony?
Like most white-collar crimes, forgery charges carry stiff penalties. The offense is classified as a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and up to $4,000 in fines. However, Texas law states that forgery is classified as a state jail felony if the writing is or purports to be one of the following:
- Check;
- Security agreement;
- Credit card;
- Deed;
- Mortgage;
- Deed of trust;
- Codicil;
- Will;
- Release; or
- Contract;
- Authorization to debit an account.
A state jail felony in Texas is punishable by up to 2 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines. If the writing is or purports to be:
- Part of an issue of money, securities, postage, revenue stamps
- A government record listed in Section 01(2)(C); or
- Other instruments issued by a state or national government or by a subdivision of either, or part of an issue of stock, bonds, or other instruments representing interests in or claims against another person,
The defendant can face a third-degree felony upon conviction, with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison.
Additional Resources
Texas Penal Code: Forgery – Access 32.21 of the Texas Penal Code to view which elements constitute the forgery offense. You can also learn more about the definitions of terms related to the crime and how the state of TX penalizes this offense.
Dallas Police Department: Forgery FAQ – Click the link to visit the official website for the Dallas Police Department’s Financial Investigations Unit and read frequently asked questions about forgery. Learn how to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud and how to report stolen checks or credit cards.
San Antonio Forgery Attorney, TX
If you or someone you know is being investigated for forgery, it is best to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Forgery cases can be difficult to prove and require experienced legal representation. At Goldstein & Orr, San Antonio forgery attorneys Cynthia Orr and Gerald Goldstein have been defending clients charged with white collar crimes collectively for 70 years. They can fight to get your criminal charges significantly reduced or completely dismissed.
Allow Goldstein & Orr to help you throughout this overwhelming process. Call (210) 226-1463 today to schedule a free, initial consultation. Goldstein & Orr represents clients throughout the State of Texas including Webb County, Live Oak County, San Patricio County, Frio County, Pecos County, Burnet County, Blanco County, and Reeves County.
