St. George and Cedar City Attorneys Defending Forgery Crime

What is Considered a Forgery Crime?

Forgery, is the intent to defraud by signing the name of another person or of a fictitious person, or the intent to:

  • defraud
  • falsely make
  • alter
  • forge
  • counterfeit
  • utter
  • publish
  • pass or attempt or offer to pass

any check, bond, bank bill, note, cashier's check, traveler's check, money order or any driver's license or identification card issued by a governmental agency.

Writing a Bad Check

Writing a bad check is also considered a forgery crime, which means making, drawing, uttering, or delivering any check or draft upon any bank or depository for the payment of money, knowing that there are insufficient funds.

What is the Punishment for a Forgery Crime in Utah?

If you have been accused of forgery, your punishment can be imprisonment in the state prison or in the county jail for not more than one year. This means that the District Attorney can file your case as either a felony or misdemeanor.

The punishment is dependent upon the amount of money involved and whether you have any prior convictions of the same or theft-related offense. In most cases, if the total amount of the check does not exceed $200.00 and you have not been previously convicted of the same or theft-related crimes, the offense is only a misdemeanor and punishable for not more than one year.

In all forgery cases, it does not matter whether the victim actually suffered any monetary loss. It also does not matter that you later made payment of the check or other restitution to the victim.

Consult with an Experienced Southern Utah Defense Attorney

The criminal defense attorneys of Douglas D. Terry & Associates assist with all aspects of defending Utah forgery and related charges, from negotiating with the local prosecutor to representing you at trial or arguing for the best possible sentencing conditions. We are the longest serving criminal defense law firm in St. George, Utah, and also have offices in Cedar City.

Learn more about how our defense attorneys can help you. Call (435) 628-4411 or contact us online today for a free consultation.