Facing Charges of Forgery Theft?

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In today's world, a person's identity carries considerable weight, and more than ever is open to theft by a variety of illegal actions. Forgery is one of these means, and is defined as making or changing documents or items in order to trick or deceive another. Examples of forgery include signing someone else's check without their permission in order to cash it, or creating false or altered documents in order to deceive someone in a fraud case.

What are the related laws?

Forgery is an identity theft crime. The Texas Penal Code defines forgery in §32.21 and begins with the definition “to alter, make, complete, execute, or authenticate any writing so that it purports: to be the act of another who did not authorize the act, to have been executed at a time or place or in a numbered sequence other than was in fact the case, or, to be a copy of an original when no original existed. A person commits an offense if he or she forges a writing with intent to defraud or harm another.”

Offenses typically arise when one person signs another person’s name without permission or one person writes a check on another person’s account without permission. However, the offense can happen in many different ways. One person can ask another to cash a check known to be fraudulent. Occasionally, someone will add an extra zero to a check or financial instrument.

Legislative Mandated Penalty Ranges for Forgery Cases in Texas

In Texas, forgery is considered a white collar crime and can potentially carry substantial punishment if convicted, depending on the severity of the crime and the circumstances. Large fines, jail time, and a life-long mark on your criminal record are all possible if you are found guilty. In a forgery case, it is important to verify that the investigation against you was done correctly and that your rights were upheld at every point. If you have been charged with forgery, our Denton County criminal defense lawyers may be able to do just that, and see that your best interests are looked after in the course of your representation or at trial.

Defending Denton County Forgery and Theft Charges

Forgery charges can be successfully defended. A very simple, yet very effective, defense to forgery charges can be proving that there was no intent to cause harm. This, as you might guess, is known as a lack of intent. A related defense can be the perception of permission. Constitutional defenses also apply such as illegal stops, searches, and arrests. Your attorney should be ready, willing, and able to fight even if all you want to do is plea. The attorney’s ability to fight will benefit your plea or trial and make the ultimate result that much better. If there is a way to beat your case, the Law Office of Tim Powers will find that way. If not – we strive to get you the best result.

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The Texas Penal Code defines forgery in §32.21 and begins with the definition “to alter, make, complete, execute, or authenticate any writing so that it purports: to be the act of another who did not authorize the act, to have been executed at a time or place or in a numbered sequence other than was in fact the case, or, to be a copy of an original when no original existed.

A person commits an offense if he or she forges a writing with intent to defraud or harm another.” Offenses typically arise when one person signs another person’s name without permission or one person writes a check on another person’s account without permission.

One person can ask another to cash a check for known to be fraudulent.

Type of Document Alleged to Have Been Forged Level of Offense Punishment Range Any Document not Listed Below Class A Misdemeanor 0 to 365 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.00 A will, deed, deed of trust mortgage, security instrument, credit card, check, contract, release, commercial instrument, financial institution authorizations State Jail Felony A minimum of 180 days to 2 years in a State Jail Facility and an optional fine not to exceed $10,000.00 Money, securities, postage or revenue stamps, government record, stock, bonds Third Degree Felony A minimum of 2 years to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (Prison) Defending Denton County Forgery and Theft Charges Forgery charges can be successfully defended.

A very simple, yet very effective, defense to forgery charges can be, proving that there was no intent to cause harm.

The attorney’s ability to fight will benefit you plea or trial and make the ultimate result that much better.

If not – we strive to get you the best result.

Theft Charges Embezzlement Mortgage Fraud Shoplifting Robbery / Burglary Credit/Debit Card Abuse Forgery Theft Identity Theft Keeping a Theft Conviction off your Record Meet Our Team Learn about our attorneys and their outstanding credentials.

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We Provide Free, In-Person, No-Obligation Case Evaluations Handled 40,000+ Criminal Cases in Denton and Collin County Since 1996 We Truly Care About Our Clients & Their Cases We Offer Affordable Payment Plans Unparalleled Results Based on the Facts Lead Attorney Tim Powers Is a Regular Legal Commentator on Various Media Outlets Contact Our Firm Let Us Put Our Experience to Work for You

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Collin County By Appointment Only 972-724-4820 230 East Hunt Street, Suite 101 McKinney , TX 75069

Office locations

• Denton office: 215 West Oak Street, Denton, TX 76201
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