Fraud/Forgery

Forgery as a crime is the act of creating, altering, using or representing counterfeit, fraudulent or false documents, instruments or signatures without authorization with the intent to deceive and defraud. While forgery is considered a non-violent crime, it can carry with it serious penalties.

Examples of forgery include:

• A fake social security card,
• A made-up letter of recommendation for a job,
• False tax return or wages
• False immigration documents

In Colorado, punishment for the forgery depends on the type of document forged and whether you made or used the document, or just knowingly possessed it.

If the document forged is a government-issued instrument, like a social security card, and you produced it or used it with the intent to defraud someone that can be charged as a class 5 felony. A class 5 felony is punishable up to 3 years in prison and/or a fine up to $100,000.

In other circumstances, forgery is a class 2 misdemeanor which the punishment can include up to 120 days in jail, and/or a fine up to $750.

Above is just a small discussion of forgery law in Colorado. There are many other crimes similar to forgery. Some fraud-related crimes include: Possession of a Forged Instrument, ID Theft, Fraud by Check, Use of Forged Academic Record, Criminal Possession of Forgery Devices, Obtaining Signature by Deception… and much more. 

Cummings & Petrone, LLC is experienced in the handling of Fraud and related criminal charges. Contact them today at 970-484-2217 or schedule your free consultation.