Legal Guide

Forgery

A fundamental key to a successful defense in a forgery case is the representation by an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The earlier in the case that the attorney is on board, the more options there will be and the greater likelihood there is for an outcome that will be satisfactory to both the accused person and the alleged wronged party.

Contact the Law Office of John R. Teakell to learn how attorney Teakell’s knowledge and experience can be put to work in your Texas forgery criminal case. Schedule an initial consultation at which you and Mr. Teakell will devise the next best course of action after you have been accused of or arrested for forgery (by way of a forged document or a forged signature) anywhere across the state.

There are a number of possible defenses that may result in dismissal of charges, reduction of charges, acquittal or reduction of penalties in a forgery case, including the following:

• Demonstration of a compelling case for an alternative explanation of how a check was forged or how apparent credit card fraud occurred
• Agreement for restitution of allegedly stolen money obtained apparently obtained by forging a check
• Mitigating factors
• Demonstration that evidence presented by the prosecution is inadequate, inconclusive, or obtained by illegal means
• Showing a lack of intent to commit forgery

Forgery May Mean Counterfeiting, Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud or Bank Fraud

At the federal level, forgery charges are often articulated as charges of mail fraud, wire fraud or bank fraud in federal court. Forgery charges may be brought alongside charges of counterfeiting, as in schemes whereby treasury checks are forged as well as endorsement of the essentially counterfeit checks.

Experienced Federal Prosecutor

Attorney John Teakell is a former federal prosecutor with in-depth knowledge of the components of a successful prosecution ― and an understanding of how to construct effective defense in the face of allegations of forgery. Call or e-mail attorney Teakell sooner rather than later to schedule a preliminary case review.

18 U.S.C. §471 Whoever, with intent to defraud, falsely makes, forges, counterfeits, or alters any obligation or other security of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.