Bucks County Forgery Lawyer

As defined by Bucks County law and inclusive of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, forgery is the altering or writing by one not authorized to do so, specifically with a presentment in some sort of financial gain or attempt at financial gain.

One example involves writing instruments or electronic instruments used for a signature or an act that requires a presentment to a financial institution or other entity for financial gain that is not authorized by the original signatory. If you are facing charges, working with an experienced Bucks County forgery lawyer could lead to the minimum rather than the maximum penalties. Contact an experienced fraud attorney today to begin your case.

Common Examples

Some of the most common charges of fraud in Bucks County involve the fraudulent signatures or the attempt to transfer the property of another by deed. Another common charge is the use or signing of financial credentials, such as a credit card and driving license, and presenting it in a manner consistent with trying to get some form of monetary or pecuniary interest or benefit from it.

Additionally, forgeries often come up in conjunction with stolen credit cards, checkbooks, or other financial documents. Forgery comes into play whenever a legal, business, or personal document is changed or authorized by a person not authorized to do so. Once that document is presented, filed, or moved, the charge of forgery is applied by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. At that point, it is best to contact a Bucks County forgery lawyer so as to prepare and present the strongest defense possible.

Unique Elements

Forgery can involve any legal documents, business documents, and financial documents. That being said, forgery is not always a writing. It can also be the electronic use and the electronic presentment of items. This because, at its core, it consists of a person usurping the authority of another and presenting a document or financial statement to gain some kind of benefit from the individual.

Potential Penalties

Forgery, like other crimes of fraud, also involves the charges of theft, theft of services, and receiving stolen property. Additionally, forgery is charged as a felony of a third degree in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, thus carrying a maximum sentence of a three and one half to seven years’ incarceration and $15,000 fine.

Standard of Proof

In a forgery case, the prosecution must show certain elements to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt in order to achieve a conviction a felony of the third degree.

First, a person must have unlawfully use a secured document, whether it is financial, legal, business-related, or otherwise applicable. Secondly, the person must have exercised false authority, either through a signature, and electronic filing, or electronic signature on the document.
Additionally, the prosecution must show that the individual gained or attempted to gain some kind of interest in doing so. That is, a monetary gain by presenting the forged document for payment, by presenting the forged item and receiving some sort of merchandise for it. This could take place with documents such as deeds, transfers, and even wills, among others.

Benefits Of Working With A Local Attorney

An individual can benefit by obtaining the services of a Bucks County forgery lawyer at the earliest possible time. Lawyers can help by first obtaining the materials that are relevant to any investigation as soon as the police are able to obtain those and presenting them in the best light for the client.
Next, they can develop any sort of defense that can come into play when fighting a forgery case. Thirdly, they can attempt to make restitution and avoid the criminal complaint from being filed in the first place. Those are the three main advantages that a person charged with forgery can receive by obtaining the services of a Bucks County forgery lawyer.
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