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Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

Forgery Lawyer in Arapahoe County

On Behalf of | Oct 16, 2019 | Forgery |

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Forgery is a criminal offense in Arapahoe County that involves making, using, or possessing a forged document of some kind. Using or presenting items such as fabricated letters of recommendation, fake tax returns, and altered educational transcripts can lead to substantial criminal charges. Early this month, several people were indicted for allegedly targeting an elderly woman using false financial documents totaling 35 forgery charges. Accusations such as these require experienced representation from a top forgery lawyer.

What Qualifies as Forgery in Arapahoe County?

C.R.S. 18-5-102 addresses forgery in Aurora, Littleton, Centennial, and Englewood. Someone commits this offense if they:

(1) With intent to defraud, such person falsely makes, completes, alters, or utters a written instrument which is or purports to be, or which is calculated to become or to represent if completed:

  • (a) Part of an issue of money, stamps, securities, or other valuable instruments issued by a government or government agency; or
  • (b) Part of an issue of stock, bonds, or other instruments representing interests in or claims against a corporate or other organization or its property; or
  • (c) A deed, will, codicil, contract, assignment, commercial instrument, promissory note, check, or other instrument which does or may evidence, create, transfer, terminate, or otherwise affect a legal right, interest, obligation, or status; or
  • (d) A public record or an instrument filed or required by law to be filed or legally fileable in or with a public office or public servant; or
  • (e) A written instrument officially issued or created by a public office, public servant, or government agency; or
  • (f) Part of an issue of tokens, transfers, certificates, or other articles manufactured and designed for use in transportation fees upon public conveyances, or as symbols of value usable in place of money for the purchase of property or services available to the public for compensation; or
  • (g) Part of an issue of lottery tickets or shares designed for use in the lottery held pursuant to article 40 of title 44; or
  • (h) A document-making implement that may be used or is used in the production of a false identification document or in the production of another document-making implement to produce false identification documents.

How Much Jail Time Can You Get for Forgery in Colorado?

Forgery can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony in Arapahoe County. Second-degree forgery, C.R.S. 18-5-104, is a misdemeanor offense that involves forging an instrument of some kind other than those listed above. Potential penalties can include 6 – 18 months in county jail and fines of up to $5,000. However, if the elements above apply to your case, forgery is a class 5 felony. Possible consequences of conviction are 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and fines of $1,000 – $100,000.

Arapahoe County Forgery Lawyer

Forgery is a highly complex charge in Arapahoe County that demands expert help from a skilled criminal defense attorney. Perhaps you did not intend to defraud anyone or the document in your possession doesn’t fit the legal definition of a forged instrument. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation where we will analyze the details of your case and suggest next steps to a strong defense.

If you or someone you know is facing forgery charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the strategic defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.

Photo Credit: Unsplash – Green Chameleon