Forgery

What happens if you sign another person’s signature without having an authority to do so?

If you are in California, you can face criminal charges for forging someone else’s signatures or even handwriting. Forgery is declared as a crime under California’s Penal Code’s statute 470. If you are found to be counterfeiting signature or handwriting or seal of another person or an organization without any legal authority or explanation, you can face criminal charges resulting in both monetary fines and jail time. What you need at such a difficult time is the guidance and assistance of a veteran criminal defense attorney in California. David S. Chesley’s law office is the known and reputable law firm providing affordable legal defense services to the clients across California. Demonstrating a command over criminal laws and an understanding of the courtroom procedures, we have a 5-star Avvo rating and have helped hundreds of clients stuck in difficult circumstances.

Coming to the act of forgery, the article PC 470 defines it as counterfeiting signature of another person or a fictitious person without having the authority and with an intention to defraud is punishable under the law for committing the crime of forgery. It also includes handwriting of another person, the seal of a company, and bank notes. Forgery is a serious crime, and the prosecutor must establish that i) the defendant copied or forged sign, seal or handwriting of another person. ii) the defendant had no authority to do so. Iii) the defendant did so with an intention to defraud. If any of the elements are found missing, the defendant cannot be convicted of forgery.

For example, a person signs his wife’s property’ transfer letter while she was away and holds a letter of authority to do so, this person cannot be charged with forgery. On the other hand, a person signs a contract for carrying out illegal tasks with his partner’s name without partner having any knowledge about it; the person can be punished with forgery under PC 470.

In the cases of forgery, our focus in on finding out relevant details that can help us get the most favorable outcomes for our clients. From pursuing defenses such as mistaken identity, challenging the accusation of intent to defraud, contesting false charges, to establishing the person’s authority to sign the document, we are capable of managing your case with the best defense approach.