Forgery in California

Get Experienced Help from Our Bakersfield White Collar Crime Attorneys

If you have been charged with the white collar crime of forgery in California, you are facing severe consequences that potentially result in prison time, fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record that can cause irreparable damage reputation. It is critical to obtain legal representation from an experienced attorney.

Forgery Laws & Penalties

According to California law, forgery involves falsifying a signature or seal, or even counterfeiting documents as part of a fraud scheme. Examples of forgery include signing a check in the account holder’s name without permission, altering someone’s will without consent, and making counterfeit lottery tickets.

In most cases, forgery is a wobbler in California, meaning that it may be charged and punished as either a misdemeanor or felony. The maximum jail sentence for misdemeanor forgery is one year, while it is up to three years in prison for felony forgery.

One exception is forgery cases involving forged checks, money orders, or similar instruments that are worth $950 or less. In those instances, forgery is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum one-year jail sentence.

Discuss Your Legal Options Today!

When it comes to white collar crimes in Bakersfield, we have helped clients – just like you – reduce their charges, lessen their fines, and even dismiss their cases altogether. Our legal team is confident that we can be the difference between your freedom and time in jail.