Fort Worth Forgery Defense Lawyer

Skilled Forgery Defense Attorney Representing Clients in Fort Worth, TX

A single act of forgery may not seem like a major offense, but it can lead to significant punishments, up to and including felony charges. If you or somebody you love has been arrested for this fraud crime, the best option available to you is to seek representation and counsel from a Fort Worth, TX forgery defense attorney.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we have years of experience defending people in criminal cases, with a history of positive reviews from clients we have personally helped. Attorney Edwardo Meza will provide you with one-on-one help for a forgery charge, exploring all avenues in your defense.

What Counts as Forgery in Texas?

Forgery in Texas involves creating, changing, or using a false document or other writing with the intent to defraud or harm another person. Most people think of forgery as signing someone else's name to a check, but the offense covers much more. It can include making a document appear to be signed by someone who never approved it, changing the date or terms on an existing document, or creating a fake copy of a document that never existed. The law also extends to currency, including coins and bills.

Forgery charges can also apply to people who did not create the false writing themselves. Passing a forged check, presenting a fake document to a business, or simply having a forged writing with the intent to use it can all lead to charges. Texas law defines a writing broadly. It can include checks, contracts, deeds, wills, credit cards, receipts, prescriptions, identification cards, stamps, coins, and other items that represent value or a right.

Is Forgery a Felony or a Misdemeanor?

Forgery can be either a felony or a misdemeanor in Texas, depending on the type of writing involved and the value at stake. In many cases, the level of the charge depends on the amount of money, property, or services the person tried to obtain through the forged document. Lower-value cases may be charged as misdemeanors, while higher amounts can lead to felony charges with the possibility of prison time.

Some forgery charges are treated more seriously regardless of value. Forging government-issued items, such as money, securities, or certain official records, is generally charged as a felony. A forgery conviction can affect employment for years, especially in jobs involving money, finances, or sensitive information.

The penalties increase when the alleged victim is an elderly individual, meaning a person who is 65 or older. In these cases, the charge can be raised to the next higher level. For example, an offense that would normally be a state jail felony could become a third-degree felony. These cases often arise when a family member or caregiver is accused of signing checks or financial documents on behalf of an older relative.

Lack of Intent Defenses in Forgery Cases

Lack of intent defenses frequently arise in forgery charges. The state must prove that you acted with the intent to defraud or harm another person. Signing another person's name, holding a questionable document, or cashing a check is not automatically a crime. Without proof that you meant to deceive someone or cause harm, a forgery charge should not stand.

Many forgery cases involve people who believed they had permission. A spouse may sign a partner's name on a check they routinely handle, or an adult child may sign documents for a parent who asked for help with bills. Text messages, past practices, and testimony from the person whose name was used can show that the signature was authorized or that you reasonably believed it was.

In other cases, a person may not have known the document was forged at all. Someone who cashes a check received from an employer, buyer, or acquaintance may have had no reason to suspect a problem. Our attorney can review bank records, handwriting evidence, and the circumstances of the transaction to challenge the state's claims about intent.

Meet With a Fort Worth, Texas Forgery Defense Attorney

A forgery accusation can threaten your freedom and your reputation. Contact our Fort Worth, TX forgery defense lawyer or call 817-732-6392 to schedule a free consultation with The Meza Law Firm, PLLC today.