If you are facing forgery charges in Louisville, KY, it’s crucial to understand the seriousness of these allegations, the potential consequences they can carry, and what to do if you find yourself in this confusing situation. We know that being accused of forgery can impact your reputation and future opportunities, which is why it’s essential to have experienced legal representation on your side.
Our team will work diligently to come up with an effective defense strategy that gives you the best chance at an acquittal. For help with your forgery charges, contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (502) 371-7000 to schedule a free consultation with a Louisville forgery lawyer.
Table of Contents
How Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You’re Arrested For Forgery
We are committed to providing a strong defense for those facing forgery charges in Louisville, Kentucky. Here’s how our team can assist you:
- We begin by conducting a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your arrest, examining all evidence and identifying any procedural errors that could potentially benefit your case.
- If appropriate, we will negotiate on your behalf with prosecutors to explore plea deals or alternative sentencing options that may result in reduced charges or consequences.
- We understand the emotional toll an arrest can take on your life and future. We provide support throughout the entire legal process, keeping you informed at each stage and answering any questions you might have.
If you need help with a forgery charge in Louisville, Kentucky, we’re here to help. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Louisville theft crimes attorney.
Overview of Forgery in Kentucky
In Kentucky, forgery is a criminal offense that involves the creation or use of fraudulent documents with the intention of deception.
Forged documents are those that are either created or altered with false statements or information intended to deceive another party. The core aspect of forgery lies in the intent to mislead, which is essential for establishing a charge. Forgery is categorized into degrees based on the severity and nature of the offense:
- First-Degree Forgery: This represents the most severe level of forgery, commonly involving critical financial documents or those used in governmental fraud, such as currency, stamps, bonds, or other high-value instruments.
- Second-Degree Forgery: This includes forgery related to documents like wills, deeds, contracts, and applications for credit or other commercial purposes.
- Third Degree and Possession: This charge involves less serious acts of forgery or the mere holding of a forged document.
The exact charge and penalties a defendant will face depends on the circumstances, but you should reach out to a lawyer no matter what.
What Are the Penalties For Forgery in Louisville, Kentucky?
The consequences of a forgery charge vary depending on the specifics of the offense:
First-Degree Forgery
First-degree forgery is classified as a Class C felony in Kentucky. Convictions may result in substantial penalties, including imprisonment for up to 10 years.
Second-Degree Forgery
Second-degree forgery is considered a Class D felony, which carries potential penalties of one to five years in prison.
Third-Degree Forgery
Third-degree forgery is charged as a Class A misdemeanor. Those convicted may face a fine of up to $500 and/or one year in jail. While this is a less severe charge compared to first and second degrees, it still poses considerable repercussions that can affect a person’s personal and professional life.
If you find yourself facing forgery charges, understanding the penalties gives you an idea of what to expect going forward.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for Forgery?
If you’re being charged with forgery, there are defenses that your lawyer can consider. Some of the most common include:
- Lack of intent: To be convicted of forgery, you must have intended to defraud. If it can be shown that you did not intend to deceive or harm anyone, this defense could undermine the prosecution’s case.
- No knowledge: You may assert that you were unaware a document was forged and therefore lacked knowledge necessary for committing an offense.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If their evidence is weak or inconclusive, this may be an effective defense.
- Duress or coercion: If someone else forced you into committing forgery under threat of harm, you can use this affirmative defense, which can mitigate or eliminate culpability.
The best way to determine what defense you should use to fight your charges is to reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
If you are facing forgery charges in Louisville, it is crucial to seek legal guidance to navigate the situation. Our experienced forgery lawyers will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your rights and options.
We offer a free case evaluation to discuss the specifics of your situation. We can evaluate the evidence against you and formulate a legal defense that gives you the best chance of beating the charges. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our Louisville forgery lawyers.
