Forgery

CALIFORNIA FORGERY LAWS – California Penal Code 470

The California crime of forgery takes place when you knowingly do any of the following, intending to commit a fraud:

  • Sign someone else’s name,
  • Fake a seal or someone else’s handwriting,
  • Change or falsify any legal document (like a will or a deed), or
  • Fake, alter, or present as genuine a false document pertaining to money, finances, or property (like a check or a promissory note).

California Penal Code 470 may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances of the crime and your criminal history.

Potential penalties for a misdemeanor California forgery conviction include:

  • Up to 1 year in county jail,
  • A fine of up to one thousand dollars,
  • Informal (also known as summary) probation, and/or
  • Payment of restitution to any victims.

If you are charged with felony forgery, the penalties may include:

  • 16 months, 2 years or 3 years in prison,
  • A fine of up to ten thousand dollars,
  • Informal or formal probation, and/or
  • Payment of restitution to any victims.

If you or someone you know has been charged with forgery, call the Law Office of William Daley at (619) 238-1905 for a free consultation.

Call us today (619) 238-1905