Forgery
Forgery is one of the most common white-collar crimes committed in the state of Colorado. The act occurs when a person falsely creates or alters a legal document with the intent to defraud someone else. The offense may be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the type of document forged.
Regardless of the type of conviction, forgery accusations could jeopardize your present and future freedom. If an individual has been arrested for forgery, it is essential to seek the legal counsel of an experienced Denver white collar crime attorney. Over the years, Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. has achieved favorable outcomes for hundreds of Colorado citizens accused of serious criminal charges. Don’t wait another moment and contact us to receive assistance in your case.
Forgery Defense Lawyer | Colorado Springs, CO
If you were charged with forgery, it’s best to contact Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C.. The state of Colorado carries strict laws for forgery and violation of these rules can result in steep fines and imprisonment. It’s important you don’t take your forgery charges lightly.
White collar crime attorney Matthew At. Martin at Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. carries over 28 years of experience protecting the rights of his clients. He can strategize a strong defense regardless of the crime for which you are being accused. Set up your first consultation now by calling (303) 725-0017.
Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. accepts clients in Denver, Colorado including nearby cities such as Broomfield, Centennial, Englewood, Deer Trial, Glendale, Thornton, Welby, Todd Creek, Lone Tree, Parker, Castle Rock, Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette, and Nederland.
Information Center
- Is Forgery a Felony in Colorado?
- Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument
- Additional Resources for Forgery
Is Forgery a Felony in Colorado?
Colorado Revised Statutes 18-5-102 defines the crime of forgery as falsely making, completing, altering or uttering a written document, with the intent to defraud. Forged documents can include, but are not limited to the following:
- Stocks or bonds
- Money, stamps, securities, or other valuable instruments issued by a government or government agency
- Deeds, wills, codicils, commercial instruments, checks, promissory notes, or other legal documents
- Public records
- Lottery tickets
- Written instruments officially issued or created by a public office, public servant, or government agency
- Tokens, transfers, or certificates
The offense may be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. According to section 18-5-102, forgery is categorized as a Class 5 felony if the individual forges any of the documents listed in that specific statute. A Class 5 felony in Colorado is punishable by one to three years in prison and $1,000 to $100,000 in fines.
In addition, Colorado Revised Statutes 18-5-104 states that forging any other type of document that’s not listed in section 18-5-102 is considered second degree forgery. Second degree forgery is categorized as a class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by six to 18 months in jail and $500 to $5,000 in fines.
Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in Colorado
Forging a document is not the only forgery-related crime in the state of Colorado. Under Colorado Revised Statutes 18-5-105, a person commits a class 6 felony if he or she possesses any forged instrument mentioned in section 18-5-102. The law specifically applies if the defendant has an intention to utilize the forged document to defraud.
Class 6 felonies are considered the lightest felony classification in Colorado as it’s just one step above misdemeanor. They carry lighter sentences compared to class 5 felonies, but they are still considered to have a harsher sentence than a class 1 misdemeanor. Class 6 felonies are punishable by twelve to eighteen months in prison and $1,000 to $100,000 in fines.
Additional Resources for Forgery
Colored Revised Statutes: Forgery Laws – Visit the official website of the Colorado Revised Statutes to read how the state penalizes forgery. Access the site to read the elements which constitute the offense and other relevant information.
FBI: White Collar Crimes – Click the link to visit the official website for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Access the site to read about white collar crimes such as corporate fraud, money laundering, identity theft, investment fraud and more.
Forgery Defense Lawyer | Denver, CO
Are you searching for a forgery defense lawyer to represent your case? If so, contact Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. today. Criminal defense attorney Matthew A. Martin has over 28 years of experience defending clients accused of all types of crimes in the state of Kentucky including forgery. He has tried over 150 jury trials and can work hard to protect your rights.
Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. serves clients throughout the greater Denver area including nearby counties such as Jefferson County, Boulder County, Adams County, Arapahoe County, Douglas County, and Broomfield County. Schedule a free, initial consultation with Mr. Martin now by calling (303) 725-0017. Do not jeopardize your future and contact Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. as soon as possible.