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When You Are Accused of Forgery—What It Really Means
March 20, 2019
Forgery may seem like a crime that doesn’t happen too often in today’s technological world. Yet even in a digital society, forgery can still be a crime. If you are accused of forgery, it is important that you understand exactly what you are accused of so that you can defend against it. Even if you unknowingly delivered a forged document or passed one as real, you could still be held accountable.
The Elements of Forgery
There are four elements that are necessary for one to be successfully convicted of forgery. These elements have traditionally applied to paper documents, although it could also be digital documents or reproductions altered in order to deceive. All four of these elements must be present in most cases for a charge of forgery to stick in the court system.
First, you must have presented, forged, counterfeited, or altered a document. This can be done easily today with the digital world. Second, the document must show that you are pretending to be another person. Third, the document must have legal significance, such as a contract, check, or receipt. Finally, the crime must have been committed in order to defraud another person. If all of these elements are not present, you may have an increased chance to win your case.
Frequently Forged Documents
Frequently forged documents include contracts or rental agreements, receipts used to gain compensation, checks, insurance documents, identification documents or cards, or court orders. Other legal documents or documents that could be used to get money or compensation from another person or company could also be considered for forgery charges.
If you have been accused of forgery, it is important you get legal representation right away. We can analyze your case and help you mount an effective defense. Contact us today to get started with your case.