Richmond Forgery Lawyer

Defending Against Forgery Charges in Virginia

Forgery is a serious crime in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It involves the fraudulent creation or alteration of a written instrument with the intention to defraud or harm another person. Vaughan C. Jones, Attorney at Law, is your trusted source of legal expertise for forgery cases. We understand the gravity of these charges and the potential impact they can have on your life. Our Richmond forgery attorney is ready to deliver top-notch legal representation to help you receive the best possible outcome for your situation.

Call Vaughan C. Jones, Attorney at Law today at (804) 207-5735 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our forgery attorney in Richmond.

What is Forgery?

Forgery is a serious criminal offense that involves the fraudulent creation, alteration, or possession of a document, instrument, or writing with the intent to deceive or defraud. In Richmond, Virginia, forgery encompasses a wide range of fraudulent activities, including:

• Forgery of Signatures: Falsely signing someone else's name on a document, check, or contract with the intention of deceiving others.
• Counterfeiting: Creating counterfeit money, government documents, or other valuable instruments with the intent to pass them off as genuine.
• Uttering: Attempting to use, sell, or present a forged document as if it were authentic, even if you were not the one who created it.
• Forgery of Identification Cards: Creating or possessing fake identification cards, such as driver's licenses or passports, with the intent to deceive.
• Fraudulent Documents: Falsifying legal documents or contracts to gain an unfair advantage or financial benefit.

What Are the Penalties for Forgery in Virginia?

Forgery charges in Virginia are categorized into different classes, each with varying degrees of severity and corresponding penalties. The classification of forgery charges depends on the specific circumstances of the offense and the value of the property involved. The penalties for forgery may include:

• Class 1 Misdemeanor: This includes the forgery of a check or similar instrument for less than $500. Penalties could include up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
• Class 5 Felony: Forgery involving a check, money order, or similar instrument for $500 or more is considered a Class 5 felony. Penalties can include up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
• Class 4 Felony: If the forgery involves a check or similar instrument for $500 or more and is committed with the intent to defraud a financial institution, the offense is a Class 4 felony. Penalties could include up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
• Class 3 Felony: Forgery of wills, deeds, powers of attorney, and other legal documents is considered a Class 3 felony, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
• Class 2 Felony: Forgery involving counterfeit currency or government-issued documents is a Class 2 felony. Penalties may include up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Defenses Against Forgery Charges

Some common defenses against forgery charges may include:

• Lack of Intent: Proving that you did not have the requisite intent to defraud or deceive is a potent defense against forgery charges.
• Mistaken Identity: If there is any doubt regarding your involvement in the alleged forgery, demonstrating that you were not the perpetrator can be a compelling defense.
• Consent: In some cases, you may have had consent from the alleged victim to sign or use a document, which would negate the intent to defraud.
• Procedural Errors: Any mistakes made by law enforcement or in the handling of evidence can potentially lead to the dismissal of charges.
• Duress or Coercion: If you had been forced or threatened into committing the forgery, this could be a valid defense.