Anytime someone in Aurora, Centennial, or Englewood creates a fake document intending to defraud another, they run the risk of serious criminal charges. Forging legal documents is often a felony throughout the state of Colorado, while forgery of other items is a misdemeanor. The key elements of this offense are creation or use of a document that is false and a clear intent to defraud another person, business, company, or peace officer. Whether you've been accused of forgery regarding a fake will, insurance application, tax return, or even a letter of recommendation, contacting a strategic forgery lawyer right way is essential to your future.

What are Arapahoe County Forgery Laws?

Arapahoe County's forgery laws prohibit making, offering, or altering falsified documents intending to defraud. CRS 18-5-102 defines forgery throughout Aurora, Littleton, and Greenwood Village. Police will look to charge felony forgery if they believe you falsely made, completed, altered, or offered:

• money, stamps, securities, or other valuable instruments issued by the government or their agency,
• stock, bonds, or other items representing interests in or claims against an organization or its property,
• a deed, will, codicil, contract, assignment, commercial instrument, promissory note, or check that might create, transfer, terminate, or affect a legal right, interest, obligation, or status,
• a public record, or instrument required by law to be filed in or with a public office or public servant,
• a written instrument officially issued or created by a public office, public servant, or government agency,
• tokens, transfers, certificates, or other items used in transportation fees upon public conveyances or as a symbol of value used in place of money for the purchase of property or services available to the public for compensation,
• lottery tickets or shares designed for lottery use,
• or a document-making implement used to produce false identification documents

It is important to note that the entire document itself doesn't have to be fake to face a forgery charge. One untrue bit of info can be enough to qualify.

How Serious is Forgery in Aurora?

Forgery involving a letter of recommendation, signature on a credit card slip, or an insurance application is usually charged as 2nd degree forgery. Beginning March 1st, 2022, this is a class 2 misdemeanor which can result in:

• up to 4 months in county jail,
• fines of up to $750

However, when forgery is charged as 1st degree a class 5 felony applies. A conviction can lead to:

• a prison sentence of 1 - 3 years,
• 2 years of parole,
• fines of $1K - $100K

For clients who've been convicted of forgery in Colorado, you can reach out to Sawyer Legal Group to discuss the timeframe and possibility of sealing this type of conviction as well.

Aurora's Top Forgery Defense Attorney

When it comes to charges like forgery, our criminal defense attorneys have the experience and skill set to achieve the best outcome possible. Perhaps you didn't know you possessed the forged instrument, the document itself was not forged, or there wasn't intent to defraud anyone. Nevertheless, contact our office today for a free confidential consultation. We will carefully analyze your unique case, answer your questions, and recommend next steps in your defense. Our affordable fees and flexible payment options make getting the best representation a reality for the accused.

Don't talk to police about forgery - talk to us. 303-830-0880

Photo by Oleg Magni