San Antonio Forgery Lawyer
Charged with forgery in San Antonio, TX?
Texas law makes it illegal to forge any type of writing with the intention of harming or defrauding another person. To be convicted of a forgery crime, you must knowingly intend to create or use falsified or fake documents in order to deceive or defraud an individual or group of individuals. The definition of writing in this law is different than many people may presume. When it comes to forgery, writing includes all of the following things:
- Any type of recorded information or printing
- Money or coins
- Credit cards or trademarks
- Stamps or badges
- Any symbols of value or privilege
White collar crimes such as forgery is not tolerated in the state of Texas and you could be at risk of jail time, large fines and even community supervision. If you are facing any type of forgery charges in Texas, you need to team up with an experienced San Antonio criminal defense attorney. There are many defenses that can be made to fight against your charges. One common defense that our firm can make on your behalf is regarding your intentions.
We can argue that you did not have the intent of harming or defrauding another person in your case. Also, if you are a minor, we can argue for lesser penalties than an adult would receive in your case. Lastly, we can investigate your case to find flaws in the evidence and argue that the writing was not actually forged. Call The Law Office of John J. Fox to see how we can help you in your forgery case.
Penalties for Forgery Charges in Texas
Texas Penal Code Title &, Chapter 32 contains the regulations regarding forgery crimes. These types of crimes are commonly charged as Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail along with a fine of up to $4,000. There are exceptions in which the crime can be elevated to a state jail felony. This can occur if the writing is a deed or will, a credit card, a contract, a security agreement and many other more valuable types of writing. This type of offense is punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
On top of that, if the writing was money, a government record or anything issued by the state, the crime can be charged as a third degree felony. Forgery third degree felony charges are punishable by a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000. Lastly, if the crime is committed against an elderly person, the charge could be elevated to a first degree felony. First degree felonies in Texas can be punishable by between five and 99 years (life) in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. These consequences are harsh, which is why you need the help of a forgery attorney in San Antonio to defend against your charges.
Looking for an attorney for forgery charges in San Antonio, TX?
If you have been charged with any type of forgery crime, you need to team up with the top criminal defense lawyer in San Antonio. Attorney John J. Fox has nearly 20 years of experience helping the residents of San Antonio fight against their criminal charges and he may be able to help you as well. Contact a San Antonio white collar crime lawyer from The Law Office of John J. Fox for help in your case. We offer a free case evaluation so you can ask questions and discuss your forgery case at no cost to you!