Florida law treats the creation, alteration, or falsification of legal documents done to defraud someone as check forgery. This offense falls into the serious end of criminal charges and carries steep consequences. Getting accused or arrested for check forgery or counterfeiting can leave you unsure of what comes next.
Felony convictions, including check forgery, often mean large fines paired with jail time. Anyone facing a fraud-related charge like this should contact a knowledgeable Escambia County Criminal Defense Lawyer who can protect their rights and interests. Read on to see what penalties this type of charge can bring.
What is check forgery?
Florida law defines this crime as falsely creating, altering, forging, counterfeiting, or producing a document that carries legal weight. This typically happens when someone steals blank checks and signs them in the account holder’s name to cash them.
Another version involves pulling a check from the mail and wiping away everything except the signature, a method known as check washing. Forgers also sometimes build fake checks from scratch, using invented information to pass the check off as legitimate and collect cash. Attempting to use a forged document, known legally as uttering a forged instrument, also counts as a serious offense.
What are the potential penalties?
Florida classifies forgery as a third-degree felony, which carries steep consequences: a maximum of five years’ incarceration and up to $5,000 in fines. The exact penalties you face for check forgery depend on factors like whether the checks were sold, possessed, or manufactured.
First-time offenders can face up to a year in jail and fines up to $10,000, and repeat offenses carry even tougher penalties. The state can also seize any forged or counterfeit items through forfeiture. Because this charge sits at the felony level, the fallout can follow you for years afterward.
If you have been accused or charged with check forgery, it is in your best interest to retain the legal services of an experienced and qualified criminal defense attorney. At The Law Office of James M. Burns, James M. Burns, Esq. provides dedicated, personalized legal representation and will work tirelessly to help you avoid harsh penalties and pursue a favorable outcome. Allow Mr. Burns to help you navigate the complex criminal justice system. Reach out to the firm today.