Forgery

Forgery Charges in New Jersey

Burlington County NJ Forgery Defense Attorneys

Were you or a family member arrested in connection with Forgery charges in Burlington County? Were these charges part of other criminal activity or an isolated incident? Regardless of the circumstances, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer today about these types of charges. Forgery charges are an indictable offense in New Jersey and can carry up to five (5) years in New Jersey State Prison for just one single offense. This is in addition to the ancillary consequences like a criminal record and possible loss of employment. Depending upon the circumstances of your offense and your prior criminal record, you may be eligible for a dismissal of your charges or possible downgrade/remand of your case to the local municipal court. Every case is different and you should contact an attorney about what possible penalties and consequences could occur in your pending criminal case.

Proetta, Oliver & Fay is a New Jersey criminal defense law firm. With offices in Evesham, our team of criminal lawyers is able to assist our clients throughout Burlington County. When faces criminal charges, most people struggle with the fear and anxiety that accompany a criminal case. Appearing before the Burlington County Superior Court and having your case prosecuted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office or New Jersey Attorney General can be intimidating. We understand all of these things. Firm Partner, William C. Fay, IV, Esq., is a former NJ Deputy Attorney General with considerable experience. If you or a loved one have been charged with Theft, Shoplifting, Bad Checks, Theft of Services, Receiving Stolen Property, Money Laundering or Burglary, then contact our office at (609) 850-8284. We have litigated countless cases at Proetta, Oliver & Fay and we can help you in your time of need. For an immediate consultation with an Mt. Holly Criminal Lawyer today, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

NJ Forgery Law Explained

In New Jersey, the criminal charge for Forgery is enumerated under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1a. A quick review of this statute will illustrate that that law attempts to punish those individuals who are caught changing or altering a “writing” without the consent or authorization of all the parties involved.  But what qualifies as a “writing”? Well, Courts will considering things like titles, contracts, checks, bonds, leases, credit card applications, and prescriptions as “writings” under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1a. Should your charges make it to a formal trial, then the Burlington County Prosecutor must establish the following facts before a jury or judge:

• That you modified a writing of another without that person’s authorization; or
• That you made, completed, executed, authenticated, issued or transferred a writing so that it purported to be either:
  • The act of another without their authorization; or
  • The act of a fictitious person; or
  • To be a copy of an original where no such original existed; or
  • That you uttered a writing which he/she knew to be forged
    

Do People Go To Prison for Forgery in NJ?

Yes. As mentioned above, Forgery is treated as an indictable crime (i.e. felony) in New Jersey. This means that a conviction for either a third degree or fourth degree offense with carry possible incarceration. Most first-time offenders will be afforded a diversionary program or probationary sentence for their Forgery charges. However, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office will carefully review each criminal case and may seek County Jail or State Prison as part of your plea, if appropriate.  Forgery can either be considered a third or fourth degree indictable offense depending on the underlying facts. If you have a lengthy prior criminal record or certain aggravating factors, you should contact your attorney about how this could impact your pending Forgery charges.

Penalties for Forgery in the Third Degree

If convicted of a Third Degree Crime for Forgery, you would subject to a period of incarceration in a NJ State Prison ranging from three (3) to five (5) years. Additionally, you would be subject to a $15,000 fine, possible probation and other ancillary penalties.

Penalties for Forgery in the Fourth Degree:

If convicted of a Third Degree Crime for Forgery, you would subject to a period of incarceration in a NJ State Prison not to exceed eighteen (18) months. Additionally, you would be subject to a $10,000 fine, possible probation and other ancillary penalties.

Conviction and incarceration may be avoidable for certain defendants. Pretrial Diversionary Programs like Pretrial Intervention (PTI) or Conditional Dismissal may be available in you pending criminal case. Admission into these programs is restricted and you should consult with your criminal attorney before considering a program like PTI. For more information on these programs and whether or not your would be eligible, please contact our Evesham Office.

Mt. Holly NJ Forgery Lawyer

Our firm handles cases throughout Burlington County, including towns like Evesham, Mt. Holly, Mt. Laurel, Pemberton, Burlington Township, Bordentown, Moorestown, Cinnaminson, Southampton, Westampton, Palmyra, Delran, Willingboro, Florence, Medford and Maple Shade. We will gladly consult with you regarding your pending criminal charges for Forgery and help explain what possible options may exist going forward to defend these types of cases. Moreover, if you are being held pretrial for a Detention Hearing, we can represent you at your hearing and work to obtain your pretrial release. If you have any questions or concerns about your criminal charges in Burlington County, please contact our office at (609) 850-8284. Do not let one momentary lapse in judgement wreak havoc on your future.