Little Rock Forgery Lawyers

Accused of forgery in Little Rock, Arkansas? Our top forgery attorneys in Little Rock will fight to defend you and protect your rights.

Understanding the specifics of forgery crimes can be challenging. In fact, some individuals commit forgery without realizing it or considering the gravity of their actions. Regardless, these crimes lead to incarceration, fines, and other significant punishments.

If you are facing forgery or fraud charges, our experienced Little Rock forgery lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Choose Us For Your Forgery Case in Little Rock, Arkansas

At Lemley DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, our team has been practicing criminal law for a combined total of 50 years. Throughout this time, we have gained invaluable insight into both state and federal forgery claims, defendant rights, defense strategies, and more.

Our experience provides an advantage to our clients during the complex and intimidating process of their felony criminal trial.

We recognize that criminal law is nuanced and that our clients have unique circumstances surrounding their charges. Therefore, we approach all cases with an open mind and without judgment.

You are free to speak candidly with us as our client. We can use the facts of your case to build a compelling argument in your favor. No other Little Rock forgery defense attorneys can deliver the same level of insight, empathy, and skill that our team can.

What Is Forgery?

While many people have heard of forgery, few truly understand what it entails. If you are facing these charges, it is essential that you understand the accusations against you so that you can make informed decisions about your case.

Forgery is a type of white-collar crime in which an individual creates a copy of or imitates a document, signature, bank note, artwork, or other protected item. For example, forging someone’s signature involves signing another person’s name without their knowledge or permission.

Additional examples of forgery include using the name of a fictitious person, such as signing a document as “Sherlock Holmes” instead of your actual name.

It may also involve misrepresenting your position, for instance, if you were to sign a document as a child’s guardian without actually being that child’s guardian.

To qualify as forgery, the offense must have been committed with the intent to deceive or mislead someone else, or to improve one’s own position. Frequently, forgery is used to obtain money. Insurance fraud and securities fraud are two common scenarios where offenders use forgery to acquire money illegally.

Punishments for Forgery in Arkansas

The punishment for forgery varies depending on the circumstances and the type of forgery that has taken place. The state divides the offense into two categories: first degree and second-degree forgery.

First-degree forgery occurs when the forged item is:

·         Money

·         Postage stamps

·         Stock

·         Bond

·         Any other government document

The charge for first-degree forgery in Arkansas is a Class B felony. This carries a fine of up to $15,000 and between five and 20 years in prison.

Second-degree forgery includes items such as:

·         Wills

·         Contracts

·         Checks

·         Credit cards

·         Deeds

Second-degree forgery is a Class C felony in Arkansas, carrying a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence between three and ten years.

As with most felony offenses, the official punishments are not the only ramifications of the crime. Many individuals with felony records face difficulty securing appropriate housing.

They often encounter challenges finding jobs that match their education and experience, particularly after a white-collar crime conviction. Most individuals with a felony record lose custody of their children. They may never be able to regain custody.

Why Do I Need a Little Rock Forgery Defense Attorney?

If you are being charged with forgery, it is critical to understand the gravity of your situation. You could be incarcerated for a substantial portion of your life.

You will also face a significant decline in lifestyle, community standing, and control over your future. The only way to potentially avoid these punishments and consequences is by retaining an attorney. Our award-winning Little Rock criminal defense attorneys give you the very best chance of winning your case.

Individuals who represent themselves in court frequently lose their cases. They lack the training and knowledge to properly present their arguments in court.

Forgery is complex, and it is easy to unintentionally damage your case due to a misunderstanding or simple error. Because of this and because so much is at stake, it is vital to protect yourself with proper legal representation.

Additional Charges

In some instances, forgery accompanies other charges. Frequently, offenders use forgery as part of a broader plan or scheme. If caught, one person can be charged with multiple crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, theft, and forgery.

If you face additional charges, it is especially important that you have proper legal representation. The above punishments apply only to the forgery counts. You can face additional prison time or fines for other offenses.

If you are facing additional charges, be sure to find an attorney who is properly trained and experienced in multiple areas of criminal law.

Some firms specialize in a single type of criminal offense. They may not be equipped to advocate on your behalf on all counts. It is important to find a firm such as Lemley DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers that has extensive criminal defense experience.

We can help you, regardless of the circumstances of your criminal case.

Knowledgeable Little Rock Criminal Defense Law Firm

Our team at Lemley DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers is here to assist you with your forgery claim or other white collar crime charges. To learn more about our team or how we can represent you, contact us online.