Forgery refers to the illegal act of knowingly and intentionally creating, using, or altering fake documents or writings with the intent to deceive another person. Forgery crimes include creating a new false document, changing an existing document, or providing a signature without authorization. If you have been charged with forgery, you must contact an attorney as soon as possible. In fact, your chances at avoiding conviction will be infinitely more dismal if you neglect to align yourself with an Atlanta criminal attorney who can represent and defend you in court.

A Closer Look at this Complicated White Collar Crime

Contrary to popular belief, there is much more behind an act of forgery than the signature of another person’s name to a check. Many more documents exist which can be forged if the right means are taken, including any of the following:

• Bonds
• Money orders
• Titles
• Deeds
• Corporate documents
• Court seals
• Securities
• Currency

Identified as a type of fraud, the crime of forgery carries many of the same penalties as do convictions for a fraudulent offense. Most cases of forgery are tried at the state level, but there are instances in which the offense could be taken all the way to the federal courts.

Primarily, the penalties for a forgery offense will depend on the amount of money that was expected to be gained. Other aspects of the offense that will be considered before a conviction is made are the severity of the crime, the extent of the offense, and the level at which it was committed (at the state or national level).

More than 40 different statues exist in the United States Criminal Code that address fraudulent acts such as forgery. A complicated offense to dissect, criminal accusations of forgery should only be handled by an experienced and highly qualified legal defender, such as Judy Kim. You can contact the firm today to learn more.

Penalties for this Type of White Collar Crime

If you’re convicted of forgery, you can expect to face numerous consequences set forth by the courts, such as prison sentences lasting 1-10 years, large fines, probation, restitution, community service, and a mark on your permanent record. In addition your reputation will be damaged, often making it difficult to find employment, obtain a loan, or rent or buy a house. The best way to protect yourself and avoid these penalties is to hire a competent and experienced criminal attorney.

Atlanta white collar crime Judy Kim is dedicated to defending individuals who have been accused of forgery in the Atlanta region. These types of crimes often involve lengthy and complex investigations. You need to hire an attorney that is experienced in handling federal and state forgery cases, and understands the best methods for building a strong and compelling defense. Attorney Judy Kim is committed to interviewing credible sources, securing solid evidence, utilizing cutting-edge technology, and negotiating with prosecutors to increase her clients’ chance of obtaining a winning verdict.