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Federal Forgery

As a society, people rely heavily on legitimate and trustworthy documents to conduct transactions, enforce contracts, identify themselves, and for many other purposes. Thus, when someone falsifies a document with the intent to defraud or deceive, it is treated as a serious crime—both at the state level and, in some instances, at the federal level as well.

Forged documents can have far-reaching consequences for governments, political entities, businesses, and individuals alike. Forgery is considered a felony offense in all 50 states and by the federal government. The penalties range may include jail time, fines, and/or probation.

If you have been charged with a federal felony offense, contact a Michigan federal forgery lawyer immediately. An experienced federal fraud attorney could help guide you through your legal options and protect your best interests throughout the process.

What is Considered Forgery in Michigan?

At its most basic level, forgery involves producing, modifying, using, or possessing a false writing with the intent to commit fraud. This can include signing someone else's name on a check or altering a legal document. When the forged document is currency, it is also known as counterfeiting.

There are several legal elements to proving forgery:

  • The individual must either produce, alter, use, or possess a false writing
  • The false writing must have legal significance
  • The writing must be untrue or materially altered
  • The individual must have the intent to defraud

The last element protects those who unknowingly deal with or are in possession of a forged writing. For more information about what is considered forgery, reach out to a Michigan federal forgery lawyer.

Federal Forgery Laws

While most forgery crimes are prosecuted at the state level, there are certain circumstances where someone can be charged with a federal offense for forging a document. For example, forgery will automatically become a federal offense if the forged document crosses state lines or the forgery took place in multiple states.

Other types of specific federal forgery offenses include identity theft, forging immigration documents, and counterfeiting money. Title 18, Chapter 25 of the U.S. Code contains a list of all forgery offenses that can be prosecuted at the federal level. The penalties for each crime vary and include fines and imprisonment.

Statute of Limitations

According to 18 U.S.C. 3282, the statute of limitations for a federal crime is five years. Once five years have passed, the U.S. government cannot file criminal charges against an individual they believe committed a crime.

However, there are exceptions to this general rule. For example, the statute of limitations is extended from five to 10 years if an individual uses false immigration papers (18 U.S.C. 1423) or uses someone else's passport (18 U.S.C. 1544). For more specific information on the statute of limitations in a particular case, contact a Michigan federal forgery lawyer.

Contacting a Michigan Federal Forgery Attorney

Forgery is considered a serious crime and even relatively common offenses such as using a fake ID can carry serious federal consequences. However, the prosecution must be able to prove several elements to be able to prove forgery.

If you have been charged by the federal government for the crime of forgery or counterfeiting, contact a Michigan federal forgery lawyer as soon as possible. A qualified attorney could protect your rights and ensure you are being treated fairly and throughout the legal process.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
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Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
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Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
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The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.