Are we all guilty of this crime once in a while? I can still remember the check which came to our house and I had promised my wife I would deposit it in our account. We had bills to pay and the check needed to be deposited. Since my wife had already left for the day, I just signed her name and put the check in the bank. She was glad I made the deposit and we never had any problem. Did I commit Criminal Impersonation?
The relevant Colorado law is written at C.R.S. 18-5-113, and says, “A person commits Criminal Impersonation if he or she knowingly: Assumes a false or fictitious identity or legal capacity, and in such identity or capacity he or she:” Marries, becomes bail or surety for a party, confesses a judgment, proves a written instrument which by law may be recorded, performs an act which might get another in trouble civilly or criminally, or performs an act to get an unlawful benefit or harm another. This crime is a class 6 felony in Arapahoe, Jefferson and Denver County, Colorado, and potential punishment is a sentence to the Colorado Department of Corrections.
This list of conduct which amounts to Criminal Impersonation is huge. It covers conduct like signing a police ticket with another person’s name, forging a deed or will, pretending to be someone else for most any reason, and, signing my wife’s name on a check. There are many instances where we might assume another’s identity, but if we do so without their permission, or to take advantage of the person deceived, we are at risk of committing felony conduct in Adams, Douglas and Broomfield County. So, be careful when pretending to be another person.
If you are questioned by another person about your conduct involving Impersonation, be sure and keep quiet. Any statements you make to a government clerk, bank employee or police officer in Moffat, Routt or Jackson County will be used at trial to convict you. It is always best to be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the experienced Criminal Impersonation lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office, P.C., at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.