Indianapolis Forgery Lawyer

In modern society, people rely on authentic documents for finances, contracts, business transactions, and many other essential functions. When those documents are forged, authorities take the crime very seriously in Indiana. This fraud offense is treated as a felony and can carry huge fines and years spent in prison. In serious cases, forgery can even be tried at the federal level.

Forgery allegations can involve state or federal charges, depending on the documents and conduct involved. Potential consequences and defenses depend on the specific offense, evidence, and circumstances.

Traditional Forgery

In the past, Indiana defined forgery in the traditional sense, as using false documentation in order to defraud, otherwise known as uttering a forged instrument. When forgery is committed, it often involves deeds, bonds, prescriptions, checks, deeds, and other documents that can be used for personal gain. Forgery often involves purporting to be another individual for the purpose of convincing someone that a document is authentic. In the medical world, a patient might steal a psychiatrist’s prescription pad. They could then obtain a controlled substance and sell it on the black market.

Forgery charges can also be brought against someone who alters or possesses a false writing. Imagine, for example, that a college student decides to fill out his roommate’s voting pamphlet. In this scenario, the document was not falsely created, but falsely altered. Another example of forgery might involve signing another person’s check and cashing it for personal gain. Again, forgery does not have to involve the creation of false documents. Simply using them in deceiving way is enough to be charged.

Forgery as a Federal Crime

There are many instances in which forgery can be charged as a federal offense. Identity theft is by far the most common example. Stealing another person’s name, social security number, and other pieces of identifying information has serious implications. Being convicted of this federal offense can lead to spending decades in federal prison. Counterfeiting, or manufacturing currency with the intention of using it, is another act of forgery that can be punished at the federal level. Forging military documents, immigration documents, and federal documents also falls under federal jurisdiction.

Criminal Consequences

The penalties for forgery vary based on the severity of the crime. For example, counterfeiting hundreds of millions of dollars will be more harshly punished than forging one or two checks. In addition, federal forgery is likely to be treated with far less leniency, even with mitigating circumstances. The penalties that are commonly assigned after a forgery conviction include, but are not limited to:

• Forgery – This crime is a Level 6 felony that carries a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence that ranges from two to eight years
• Counterfeiting – This crime is a Level 5 felony (sometimes charged as a misdemeanor) that carries a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence that ranges from six months to three years
• Forgery (Federal Crimes) – Penalties for this offense can include paying financial restitution, probation, fines of up to $250,000 and up to 30 years in federal prison