If you’re arrested for forgery in Lexington, KY, the first thing you should do is reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer. We understand how overwhelming this time can be, and we want to make sure you don’t have to handle it on your own.
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, we have more than 100 years of combined experience, giving us the knowledge to protect your future and your freedom. For help with criminal charges in Lexington, Kentucky, contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (859) 569-4014 to schedule a free consultation with a Lexington forgery lawyer.
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How Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You’ve Been Arrested for Forgery
If you’re facing forgery charges in Lexington, KY, the legal team at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can provide assistance in building a strong defense on your behalf. Here’s how we can help:
- We look into all the details of your case to uncover evidence that can weaken the prosecutor’s case. This can include witness statements or surveillance footage, for example.
- We can negotiate with prosecutors to try to reduce or, in some cases, dismiss your charges. We will also try to get you a plea deal with the most lenient sentence possible.
- If your case ends up going to trial, we’re ready to fight for you in court before a judge and jury.
If you are facing forgery charges in Lexington, Kentucky, contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Lexington theft crimes attorney.
Overview of Forgery in Kentucky
Forgery is the act of creating, modifying, or issuing a document without the original owner’s permission, with the purpose of committing fraud. For an action to be considered forgery, the document involved must hold legal significance, and the falsification must be deliberate.
What qualifies as “writing” in forgery cases is broad, including items like credit cards, checks, deeds, stocks, bonds, wills, and driver’s licenses. Forgery is broken down into the following degrees:
- First-Degree Forgery: First-degree forgery in Kentucky occurs when an individual intentionally alters or forges documents associated with government-issued currency, stamps, securities, or corporate stock and bonds, with the purpose of deceiving or defrauding others.
- Second-Degree Forgery: Second-degree forgery involves the falsification of significant legal papers. Documents such as deeds, wills, contracts, credit cards, and public records fall under this category.
- Third-Degree Forgery: Third-degree forgery pertains to less critical documents not included in the first or second-degree categories.
- Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument: In Kentucky, it is unlawful to possess or utilize a forged instrument with the intent to commit fraud.
If you’re facing forgery charges in Kentucky, it’s essential to reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
What Are the Penalties For Forgery in Lexington, Kentucky?
Forgery in Lexington, Kentucky, carries different penalties depending on the severity of the crime and the specific circumstances involved. The following is an overview of the consequences defendants can face:
First-Degree Forgery
First-degree forgery, a Class C felony, can result in a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 10 years.
Second-Degree Forgery
Second-degree forgery is considered a Class D felony, with penalties of 1 to 5 years in prison.
Third-Degree Forgery
Third-degree forgery, categorized as a Class A misdemeanor, brings lighter penalties, including up to 365 days in jail and a potential fine of up to $500.
Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument
The penalties for criminal possession of a forged instrument are typically aligned with the degree associated with the forgery of that particular instrument. This means that if an individual is found in possession of a forged instrument that corresponds to a first-degree forgery, they would face penalties similar to that crime.
What Defenses Can I Raise If I’m Arrested for Forgery?
If you’re arrested for forgery, there are several defense tactics that your attorney can explore to protect your rights and potentially reduce the severity of any penalties you might face. Common ones include:
Lack of Intent
Forgery requires intent to defraud or deceive. Your counsel may be able to show that you had a good faith belief that you were authorized or had the right to alter the document in question. A mistake of fact can remove culpability if it proves there was no intention to commit forgery.
Consent
If you can demonstrate that you had permission from the rightful owner or holder to sign a document, alter it, or conduct any other act for which forgery charges have been brought against you, this would invalidate the allegation of fraudulent intent.
Mistaken Identity
It’s possible that your defense might rest on proving someone else committed the crime. Evidence showing mistaken identity, such as lack of forensic evidence connecting you to the forgery – for example, fingerprints or handwriting analysis – could successfully defeat claims of your involvement.
To determine what legal defense will give you the best chance of beating these charges, contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Facing criminal charges is likely to be one of the most frightening situations you will experience in your life, especially if you’re facing felony charges and lengthy prison sentences. Fortunately, you never have to handle this alone.
Our attorneys are here to help you fight back and give you the best chance at moving forward with a clean record. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a Lexington forgery lawyer.
