Miami Forgery Attorney
Fighting State And Federal Forgery Charges
Generally, forgery involves making a false or imitation document or other object with the intent to pass it off as genuine and defraud any individual. Both the state and federal governments have several laws concerning this offense. Whether you have been charged at the state or federal level, if you are convicted, you can face severe penalties, including years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Still, being accused of an offense does not mean you are guilty. And even if you did make a mistake, you have the right to defend yourself and challenge the allegations against you.
I am JONATHAN B. BLECHER, a forgery lawyer in Miami here to provide the defense you need. I have over 30 years of experience and have represented thousands of individuals in various criminal cases. As a former prosecutor, I am well-versed in the tactics the other side uses to attempt to obtain a conviction. When you turn to me, you can be confident that you are getting a well-rounded defense, as I will leverage my insights and skills and explore every legal option to build a compelling argument on your behalf. A lot is at stake, and I will take your entrusting me with your case seriously, fighting to protect your rights and future.
To schedule a free case evaluation with a Miami forgery attorney ready to do what it takes for you, call me at 305-321-3237 or contact me online today.
What Are Florida’s Forgery Laws?
Florida’s forgery laws are codified in Chapter 831 of the Florida Statutes. Several types of conduct involving knowingly or willfully making or distributing forged objects can be considered an offense.
Below are a few examples of activities that may be prosecuted as forgery in Miami:
- Forgery (Florida Statutes § 831.01): This law prohibits any person from falsely making a written document that can serve as legal proof in any matter to defraud another person. Types of items covered by the statute include, but are not limited to, public records, deeds, wills, insurance policies, or letters of attorney.
- Uttering a forged instrument (Florida Statutes § 831.02): Under this law, it is a crime for anyone to proffer a forged instrument knowing that it is a fake but intending for others to believe it’s genuine. Again, the intent of such action is to injure or defraud someone else.
- Forging a private label (Florida Statutes § 831.032): This law is concerned with willfully or knowingly making or selling a false trademark or service mark.
- Forging bank bills (Florida Statutes § 831.07): According to this law, it is illegal to falsely make a bank bill, check, draft, or promissory note issued by or seeming to be issued by a bank in the state and made payable to someone else.
- Uttering forged bills, checks, drafts, or notes (Florida Statutes § 831.09): It is unlawful for any person to offer or use as payment a forged financial instrument knowing it is false but making others believe it is true.
The penalties for forgery in Miami will vary depending on the law violated and the nature of the offense. For instance, it is a third-degree felony to forge an official document but a first-degree misdemeanor to forge a private label.
Third-degree felonies are punishable by:
- Up to 5 years of imprisonment
- Up to $5,000 in fines
First-degree misdemeanors are penalized by:
- Up to 1 year of incarceration
- Up to $1,000 in fines
Regardless of the offense you have been accused of, it is important to get an aggressive Miami forgery lawyer on your side right away. Building a defense takes time, and I am ready to dedicate the resources and effort needed to fight your charge.
What Are Federal Forgery Laws?
The federal government also has various statutes concerning forgery offenses. State and federal laws are different in the type of instruments involved and where or how the crime occurred. Federal statutes cover activities involving objects issued by the U.S. government, such as money or military records, as well as conduct affecting foreign countries.
A few federal forgery laws include, but are not limited to:
- Uttering counterfeit obligations (18 U.S.C. § 472): Under this law, people are prohibited from preferring, publishing, selling,or attempting to do such with a forged U.S. obligation or security with the intent to defraud. A conviction can result in up to 20 years of imprisonment.
- Dealing in counterfeit obligations (18 U.S.C § 473): This statute makes it unlawful for anyone to buy, sell, or exchange a forged U.S. obligation or security intending to pass it off as genuine. Upon a conviction, violators can be sentenced to a maximum prison term of 20 years.
- Forging endorsements on U.S. treasury checks, bonds, or securities (18 U.S.C. § 510): Conduct prohibited under this law includes making a forgery of certain official instruments or buying, selling, or exchanging such with the intent to defraud. The offense carries a prison term of up to 10 years.
If you have been charged with a federal forgery crime, discuss your case with me. I am familiar with the federal court process and can guide you every step of the way.
Retain The Services Of A Skilled Miami Forgery Attorney
I understand that good people make mistakes or find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. That is why I will work hard to ensure your voice is heard and can work toward obtaining a favorable outcome on your behalf.
Contact me at 305-321-3237.