West Chester

Forgery Lawyer

610-436-1410 Read Our Reviews

White collar crimes may not be violent, but they can affect people in ways that other criminal acts cannot, making the state of Pennsylvania’s laws concerning them quite strict. Forgery is one of the most common types of white collar crime and comes with tough sanctions for those convicted. With this in mind, it is important, no matter what the situation entails, to contact a qualified criminal defense attorney so that you can discuss your options and figure out the best course or action to fight the charges.

Considering the harsh sentencing and costly fines that come with a forgery conviction, it would be in your best interest to develop a defense strategy that allows you to argue your case in the most efficient manner possible.

Michael J. Skinner of the Skinner Law Firm is an experienced attorney who has been representing those dealing with forgery allegations for several years. With this understanding of the laws and commitment to protecting individual rights, Michael is in a strong position to provide excellent client service while effectively defending you in the court of law.

If you have been charged with allegations of forgery, call (610) 436-1410 or send an online message to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss the specifics of your case.

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White Collar Crimes

Forgery Under Pennsylvania Law

Pa. Cons. Stat. §4101 states that a person is guilty of forgery if, with intent to defraud or injure anyone, or with knowledge that he or she is facilitating a fraud or injury to be perpetrated, the actor (offender):

  • Alters any writing of another without his authority;
  • Makes completes, executes, authenticates, issues, or transfers any writing so that it purports to be the act of another who did not authorize that act, or to have been executed at a time or place or in a numbered sequence other than was, in fact, the case, or to be a copy of an original when no such original existed; or
  • Utters any writing, which he knows to be forged in a manner specified in the two scenarios above.

Forgery Penalties in Pennsylvania

As for the penalties, forgery is a felony of the second degree if the writing is or purports to be part of an issue of money, securities, postage or revenue stamps, or other instruments issued by the government. This can also include part of an issue of stock, bonds or other instruments representing interests in or claims against another property or enterprise. A felony in the second degree comes with a presumptive sentence of up to ten years in prison and/or fines of up to $25,000 (Pa. Cons. Stat. §923).

Forgery is a felony of the third degree if the writing is or purports to be a will, deed, contract, release, commercial instrument, or other document evidencing, creating, transferring, altering, terminating or otherwise affecting legal relations.

In almost all other cases separate from the situations mentioned above, forgery will be considered a misdemeanor of the first degree, which comes with a presumptive sentence of up to five years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines.

A Forgery Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one is dealing with a forgery allegation in the southeastern Pennsylvania counties of Chester, Lancaster, Delaware or Montgomery, Michael J. Skinner with the Skinner Law Firm is a West Chester-based defense lawyer who can aggressively argue your case and provide excellent legal representation.

Handling every aspect of your case personally, Michael is dedicated to those he serves and will make sure to pursue every viable option in order to help you move on with your life. To schedule a free consultation, contact the Skinner Law Firm at (610) 436-1410.