Forgery in the State of Texas
Forgery Lawyer in Austin, TX
CONTACT US AT 512-457-5200
Forgery is considered a “crime of moral turpitude,” which means is an act that is contrary to public good, justice, and morals. Crimes of moral turpitude such as forgery can affect your ability to obtain and maintain employment, housing, and relationships with loved ones. The Texas penal code defines forgery as writing that purports to be from a party that did not authenticate it. Forgery also applies to documents which are purposefully falsely dated, or documents made to appear as a copy of an original when no such original exists. To convict you of the crime of forgery, the court must prove that you committed the act with the intent to harm another individual. Forgery does not just apply to traditionally written or printed documents, but also to items like money, stamps, credit cards, checks, trademarks, security badges, etc.
If you have been accused of the crime of forgery, a strong legal defense can help your chances of a lighter sentence or dismissal of the case. Contact the law office of Jason Trumpler today at 512-452-5200.
Potential Consequences
The severity of the sentence depends on the nature of the material that was allegedly forged. Forgery of certain objects and documents is treated more harshly than others.
Typically, forgery is a Class A Misdemeanor. A Class A Misdemeanor is punishable by up to 1-year in jail and a fine up to $4,000.
The charge might be enhanced to a State Jail Felony if the forged material is considered a “commercial instrument.” Examples of items considered commercial instruments are things like wills, deeds, mortgages, contracts, credit cards, checks, etc. A State Jail Felony is punishable by 6-months to 1-year in jail and a fine up to $10,000.
Forgery is considered a 3rd Degree Felony if the forged material was an item like money, postage stamps, certain government records, stocks, bonds, or other materials representing the interests/claims of another individual.
The crime might be further enhanced if it was allegedly committed against an elderly or disabled person, as the law often takes these groups of people into special consideration.
Contact Us at 512-457-5200
A forgery conviction can have devastating consequences on your reputation, freedom, and wallet. An experienced lawyer can help. Jason Trumpler has over 15-years of criminal law experience, and currently practices in Central Texas counties like Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Bastrop, Burnet, Comal, Lee, and Bell. Contact our office today at 512-457-5200.
