Orange County Forgery Lawyer

What are the Penalties for Forgery in California?

In California, forgery is generally charged as a felony offense, though it can be treated as a misdemeanor in some instances. If convicted, the penalties for forgery can be severe and may include:

• Imprisonment: Felony forgery can result in up to 3 years in state prison, and misdemeanor forgery may result in up to 1 year in county jail.
• Fines: The court may impose a fine of up to $10,000 for felony forgery.
• Probation: Sometimes, the court may grant probation instead of imprisonment, which often involves strict terms and conditions.
• Restitution: You may be required to compensate the victim for any financial losses from the forgery.

Additionally, a conviction for forgery can result in a permanent criminal record, which can affect future employment opportunities, housing, and more.

Defenses Against Forgery Charges

Several defenses can be raised to challenge a forgery charge. A skilled Orange County forgery lawyer can help identify the best defense strategy based on the specific facts of your case. Some common defenses against forgery charges include:

• Lack of intent to defraud: If you did not intend to deceive or defraud anyone, the prosecution may be unable to prove the necessary elements of forgery.
• Mistaken identity: If you were wrongly identified as the person who committed the forgery, demonstrating your innocence may be a valid defense.
• Consent: If the person whose signature was forged or the document altered permitted you to do so, this may be a valid defense.
• Inability to prove the forgery: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the document was forged and that you were responsible. If insufficient evidence supports the charge, the case may be dismissed.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement led you to commit the crime, you may be able to argue that you were entrapped into forging a document.

Each case is different, and the appropriate defense will depend on the specifics of your situation. A skilled attorney can assess the details of your case and develop a strategy to achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman today to schedule a consultation!