White Collar Crimes: Forgery Attorney in Miami

Miami Criminal Defense Lawyers

Forgery is a serious offense that can be charged both in state and federal court. Typically, forgery is considered to be white collar crime, but individuals from all walks of life have been charged with this offense. Forgery requires that a person falsely make, altered, forge or counterfeit a particular document with the intent to injure or defraud a person, entity or firm.

The State of Florida has criminalized the offense of forgery and has defined the crime as when a person intentionally injures another person by altering, forging or counterfeiting a document or written instrument belonging to another person. Documents that are specifically mentioned in the statute include public records and certificates, notarized documents, documents that require a return or attestation, charters, deeds, wills, powers of attorney, bills of lading, checks, tax returns, and receipts for monies, goods or other personal property.

contact page To prove the crime of forgery in state court, the prosecution must prove that a defendant made, altered, forged or counterfeited a written instrument purportedly belonging to another person or entity with the intent to injure or defraud the person or entity. Forgery is classified as a third degree felony and is punishable up to five years in prison. Uttering a forged instrument and theft charges will usually accompany the offense of forgery on the charging document.

Essentially, the crime of forgery occurs when a person intentionally deceives another party through the creation or use of false documents. Documents that are usual subjects of forgery are checks, credit card applications, mortgage applications and other loan applications. Forgery cases can sometimes be complex and takes months to investigate. While the punishment in state court is up to 5 years in prison, the sentence for forgery in federal court will mostly depend on the number of victims and financial loss involved in the case. The federal criminal statutes codify the offense of forgery. Even though forgery can be charged in federal court, that does not preclude a state court from filing charges based on the same incidents leading up to the arrest.

If you or someone you know is being investigated for or has been arrested for forgery contact a Miami criminal defense lawyer prior to speaking with law enforcement. Forgery cases can be difficult to prove. Do not provide a statement to detectives which implicate you in the commission of a crime. Forgery is closely linked to other crimes such as:

• Bank Fraud
• Credit Card Fraud
• Grand Theft
• Identity Theft
• Mortgage Fraud
• Securities Fraud

The Miami criminal defense law firm of DMT has represented clients charged with forgery both in state and federal court. Our defense team will use our knowledge and years of trial experience to defend clients charged with forgery. Our firm guides our clients through every step of the legal process and obtains outstanding results by any measure.

If you are under investigation for, or have been arrested and charged with forgery, contact the Miami criminal lawyers at DMT. An experienced criminal attorney is available every day of the year, 24 hours a day to speak with you regarding your situation. Allow us the opportunity to help protect your rights and defend you case and you will not be disappointed. Don't settle for second best representation, go with the skilled and experienced criminal defense attorneys at DMT. You can call our office or reach us by completing the form on our contact page or by sending an e-mail.