Phoenix Forgery Attorney
What constitutes forgery in Arizona?
The crimes of forgery and related offenses are governed by Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) §§13-2001 to 13-2011. The crime of forgery, governed by A.R.S. §13-2002, is a class 4 felony, unless a drop house is used, in which case it is a class 3 felony. An individual is guilty of forgery if, with the intent to defraud, he or she:
- Falsely makes, completes, or alters a written instrument
- Knowingly possesses a forged instrument
- Offers or presents, whether accepted or not, a forged instrument or one that contains false information
Defense Strategies Against Charges of Forgery or Fraud
The key to forgery and related cases is that the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an individual acted knowingly and with the intent to defraud. In forgery cases, intent to defraud may be presumed when an individual possesses five or more forged instruments.
Because intent can be difficult to prove, it is important to have an attorney involved early in the process if you have been charged with forgery, or even if you anticipate the risk of being charged. This is in order to protect your rights and minimize any missteps that could help the State to prove its case.
In many situations, if you retain a knowledgeable and experienced attorney early on, you can avoid being charged or convicted. You may also have an opportunity to plead your case down to a less serious offense, such as criminal possession of a forgery device. This is a class 6 felony, which would potentially save you years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
Qualifying individuals may be able to resolve their case by having their charges reduced to a class 6 undesignated or "open" felony. This may allow them to get their charge reduced to a misdemeanor if they successfully complete the terms of their sentence.
Offenses related to forgery include:
- Criminal possession of a forgery device (A.R.S. §13-2003)
- Criminal simulation (A.R.S. §13-2004)
- Obtaining a signature by deception (A.R.S. §13-2005)
- Criminal impersonation (A.R.S. §13-2006)
- Unlawful use of slugs (A.R.S. §13-2007)
- Taking the identity of another person or identity or identity theft (A.R.S. §13-2008)
- Aggravated taking of the identity of another person or entity, identity theft resulting in an economic loss of $3,000 or more, or identity theft for the intent to obtain employment (A.R.S. §13-2009)
- Trafficking in the identity of another person or entity (A.R.S. §13-2010)
- Fraudulent creation or possession of admission tickets to a sporting event, concert, etc. (§ 13-2011)
Facing charges for an alleged forgery offense? Contact us at (602) 428-7104.
Consult With Us By Calling (602) 428-7104
Anyone who has applied for a job or advanced schooling in recent years knows the problems that can be posed by having a felony on your record. An experienced attorney at the office of MayesTelles PLLC could save you from these pitfalls in your forgery or fraud case, which have the potential to cost you many thousands of dollars in future missed opportunities and lost earnings.
If you have been charged or suspect that you may be charged with forgery or a related offense in Arizona, you should contact an attorney to discuss your case immediately.
The knowledgeable and experienced attorneys at the MayesTelles PLLC are available to discuss the specific details of your case any time day or night.
We've Won Thousands of Cases
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Multiple Theft & Fraud Related Felonies
Our client, Ms. F., was charged with Theft (class 4 felony), Fraud Schemes (class 5 felony), and 14 counts of False Statements to Obtain Benefits (class 6 felony). We were able to get our client’s charges reduced to just one single misdemeanor and the conviction was set aside at sentencing. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Class 4 Felony Charge
Our client, S.W., was charged with class 4 felony forgery. We entered a deferred prosecution agreement (TASC). Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Felony 2 White Collar Crime
Our client was charged with the second degree felony of "Use of Wire," but MayesTelles was able to achieve a case dismissal.
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Client Charged with Forgery
We were able to achieve a case dismissal on behalf of a client charged with Forgery (Felony 2).
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Felony 3 White Collar Crime
MayesTelles attorneys represented a client facing a count of Illegal Control of an Enterprise, a Felony 3 charge in Arizona. We were able to achieve a case dismissal.
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Felony 2 White Collar Crime
Our client was facing a count of Fraudulent Schemes/Artifices, which is a Felony 2 charge in Arizona. We were able to get our client's case dismissed.
Why Choose MayesTelles PLLC?
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Nearly 200 Years of Combined Experience
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Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
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Voted Top 100 Trial Lawyers
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Available to Our Clients 24/7
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Former Prosecutors & Law Enforcement
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AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys