What class felony is forgery in Arizona?

Class 4 felonies
Most forgery offenses are Class 4 felonies under Arizona law. A first offense under this statute is punishable by up to three years and nine months in state prison. A second forgery conviction could result in a person spending over seven years in prison.

What is a felony forgery charge?

Forgery involves the making, altering, use, or possession of a false writing in order to commit a fraud. Forgery (also known as “uttering a false instrument”) is a serious offense, punishable as a felony in all fifty states and by the federal government.

What is the average sentence for forgery?

Penalties for Forgery in California The maximum state penalty for felony forgery is 16 months in state prison or 2-3 years in a county jail. They also may be required to pay restitution and up to $10,000 in fine. A misdemeanor forgery conviction typically faces a year in county jail plus smaller financial penalties.

Is forgery a felony?

In general, forgery is charged as a third-degree felony. If convicted, a person could be punished by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

What is forgery example?

noun. The definition of forgery is the act of making a false signature, a copy of a painting or of other document. An example of forgery is faking your mother’s signature on a note explaining your absence from school. An example of forgery is a copied version of a Picasso that someone tries to pretend is real.

Is it hard to prove forgery?

Forgery cases in California are indeed difficult for a prosecutor to prove in court. The intent to defraud, thereby harming the victim in legal or monetary ways, has to be proven to the court.

What is required to prove forgery?

There are several elements to the crime of forgery, and all must be proven before someone can be found guilty: A person must make, alter, use, or possess a false document. A forged signature misrepresents the identity of the person whose will it is, and that has significant legal consequences.

How do I get out of forgery charges?

One of the most effective defenses is claiming that you did not intend to defraud or injure anyone. This can get your charges dropped immediately, as criminal intent is key in reaching a conviction for forgery. It might also be the case that you were simply in possession of a forged document without even knowing it.

How do I prove my forgery signature?

There are several elements to the crime of forgery, and all must be proven before someone can be found guilty:

1. A person must make, alter, use, or possess a false document.
2. The writing must have legal significance.
3. The writing must be false.
4. Intent to defraud.

What can I do if someone forged my signature?

What are my rights when someone forged my signature?

1. immediately notify the recipient of your forged signature,
2. make a police report at the local station,
3. consult an attorney. If you take these three steps immediately, you should be able limit the amount of damage caused by the deception.

Can you sue for a forged signature?

If a party wishes to sue the party whose signature was forged. Forgery is considered fraud in the execution. Fraud in the execution voids the contract so that there is no valid contract.

How do you prove a signature is forged?

How Do You Prove a Signature is Forged? Proving that signature is forged may prove difficult. There are various ways to prove this. Beside video or surveillance cameras, a common method of proving forgery is through expert testimony, in which case, a handwriting expert will testify as to the forgery.

What is the sentence for forgery in Arizona?

If an Arizona defendant is convicted of committing forgery under the terms of §13-2002, the offense will generally be classified as a Class 4 felony. Class 4 felonies in Arizona carry a presumptive sentence term of two years and six months in prison, according to A.R.S. 13-701.

How is forgery classified as a Class 4 felony?

C. Forgery is a class 4 felony, except that if the forged instrument is used in connection with the purchase, lease or renting of a dwelling that is used as a drop house, it is a class 3 felony.   For the purposes of this subsection, “drop house” means property that is used to facilitate smuggling pursuant to section 13-2319.

What is the definition of forgery in law?

13-2002. Forgery; classification A. A person commits forgery if, with intent to defraud, the person: 1. Falsely makes, completes or alters a written instrument; or 2. Knowingly possesses a forged instrument; or 3. Offers or presents, whether accepted or not, a forged instrument or one that contains false information. B.

What happens if you get a forgery conviction?

A conviction for forgery or any other fraud crime can result in serious penalties, including time in prison or jail, a fine, and a lasting criminal record. If you are charged with or accused of a crime, you should always talk to a local criminal defense attorney before making a statement or entering a plea.