Last Updated on: 20th October 2023, 04:56 pm

Forgery Charges: Here’s How an Experienced White Collar Crimes Lawyer Can Challenge Them

Being accused of forgery can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. These types of white collar crimes allegations can jeopardize your reputation, freedom, and future. But don’t panic – an experienced white collar crimes defense attorney can thoroughly analyze the prosecution’s case against you and build a strong defense to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly how an seasoned lawyer attacks forgery accusations and gets their clients the best possible outcome. We’ll also look at the specific elements the prosecution must prove, potential defenses, and the benefits of proactive representation.

What is Forgery Under the Law?

Forgery involves creating, altering, or falsifying a document with the intent to defraud or deceive. This includes making false signatures, altering details on licenses, fabricating checks or promissory notes, and more. Defendants face felony charges like:

• Forgery of deeds, wills, contracts, etc.
• Possession of forged instruments, documents
• Uttering (trying to circulate) forged instruments
• Forgery of prescriptions, licenses, certificates

Penalties vary based on circumstances but commonly include hefty fines and years in prison. That’s why mounting a vigorous defense is so important.

How the Prosecution Must Prove Forgery

To convict you of forgery, the prosecution must prove these key elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. You created, altered or used a false document
2. You knew the document was forged or falsified
3. You had the intent to defraud or deceive through use of the document

An attorney will scrutinize the evidence to identify any holes or weaknesses in the prosecution’s version of events. This is how they build a strong defense.

How an Attorney Defends Against Forgery Charges

An experienced white collar crimes lawyer uses many strategies to fight forgery accusations, like:

Contesting intent – Lack of knowledge

If you can show you didn’t know a document was fraudulent or falsely altered, this defeats the intent requirement. Your lawyer may argue you were deceived or duped by a third party into using a forged document unknowingly.

Disputing the act – Misidentification

Eyewitness misidentification is common. Your attorney may argue the prosecution has the wrong person and cannot definitively place you as the individual who forged or used the fraudulent document.

Questioning document examination methods

Your lawyer can retain skilled forensic document examiners to scrutinize the prosecution’s experts and methods for analyzing the document(s) in question. They may be able to call findings into doubt or have evidence ruled inadmissible.

Duress defenses

If you were under physical threat or coercion when you produced or used a forged document, duress may provide a defense. Your attorney can argue you lacked criminal intent.

Negotiating plea bargains

Your lawyer may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dismissed through a plea bargain. This avoids the risk and expense of trial.

Benefits of Retaining a White Collar Crimes Lawyer Early

Don’t wait to engage legal counsel if you’re facing forgery allegations. An experienced attorney can:

• Advise you on interactions with police and prosecutors to avoid self-incrimination
• Act swiftly to request preservation of evidence and key documents
• Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case early
• Negotiate with the DA for dismissal or reduction of charges
• Work to get excessive bail amounts lowered

Defending against forgery accusations requires skill and strategy. But an accomplished white collar crimes attorney has the experience and determination to protect your rights, freedom and reputation.