Being accused of forgery is frightening, and those convicted may face significant penalties. Forgery is known as a type of white-collar crime. White-collar crimes are non-violent and typically involve monetary gain through fraud or another means of dishonesty. White-collar crimes like forgery carry harsh sentences and lasting social stigmas, making it essential to have a skilled criminal defense attorney in your corner as you fight your charges.
At Bernal Law, our experienced team is here to help you through this challenging time. Our principal attorney, Pedro Bernal, served as the Deputy District Attorney in the San Diego District Attorney’s Office for several years, where he prosecuted complex white-collar crimes, including forgery. His wealth of experience makes him knowledgeable on the prosecution’s tactics and the best way to defend your case. When you partner with him, you can trust that your case is in the capable hands of a seasoned legal professional.
Why Is Forgery Considered a White-Collar Crime in California?
Forgery is a white-collar crime because it typically involves individuals in business, government, or finance who seek monetary gain through illegal means. White-collar crimes generally are financially motivated and non-violent in nature. Specifically, forgery refers to creating, altering, or using a document or other item to steal from or defraud another person.
Forgery is known as a wobbler and may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony offense, depending on the facts of the case. Misdemeanor forgery charges are generally reserved for less harmful crimes, such as falsifying a minor document or attempting to steal less than $950.
Misdemeanor forgery convictions may result in up to one year in county jail and a fine of $1,000.
Felony forgery charges are more severe and typically apply to more severe offenses, such as the forgery of a significant legal document or defrauding someone of more than $950. Those convicted of felony forgery may be sentenced to up to three years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
Defenses to Forgery in California
Because a forgery conviction may result in heavy fines and a loss of your freedom, it is essential to partner with a white-collar crime attorney in California with a proven track record of successfully defending such cases. When you choose Bernal Law, your forgery defense attorney may employ one of the following defense strategies:
- Legal significance: The prosecution must prove that the document you forged is legally important. If the forged document had nothing to do with monetary gain or any other legally significant outcome, you cannot be convicted of forgery.
- Permission: Sometimes, people may accuse an individual of forgery when they actually had permission to create the document in question. Your charges may be reduced or dismissed if your white-collar crime attorney can prove you had express or implied consent.
- Intent to defraud: Even if the prosecution can prove you forged a document, your attorney can argue that you did so by mistake. Your California white-collar crime attorney may opt for this defense if you did not intend to commit fraud.
Our team will thoroughly review your case and craft the best defense for your individual situation.
Speak With a Highly Qualified Forgery Defense Attorney at Bernal Law
If you are being investigated for forgery in California, a trusted criminal defense attorney can help you protect your rights. At Bernal Law, our renowned principal forgery defense attorney, Pedro Bernal, has nearly a decade of experience working as a prosecutor and can apply his unique insights to help you fight your charges. We have an established history of helping our clients achieve the best possible outcomes for their cases.
Schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with a seasoned attorney today by calling (619) 736-9092 or completing our online contact form. He is also fluent in both Spanish and English.
