Both forgery and fraud are illegal acts punishable by the laws of Texas.

Punishment can include a monetary fine along with prison time for felony offenses.

Believe it or not, forgery is actually a specific type of fraud.

There are several types of forgery:

Signing and using a check that belongs to another party.
Using a false name to sign a document.
Preparing and distributing a false document.
Making alterations to amounts, times or even dates on an official document.

Forgery is a serious crime in Texas and the punishment can include both monetary fines and time in prison.

If you have been accused of a forgery crime, Blizzard and Zimmerman Attorneys can vigorously defend you.

The Texas Penal Code defines forgery as:

a person forges a writing with intent to defraud or harm another person.

Writing is defined as:

Printing or any other method of recording information
Money, coins, tokens, stamps, seals, credit cards, badges, and trademarks; and
Symbols of value, right, privilege, or identification.

The penalties for forgery here in Texas do vary:

A specific act of forgery can be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

However, if the writing is or purports to be a will, codicil, deed, deed of trust, mortgage, security instrument, security agreement, credit card, check, authorization to debit an account at a financial institution, or similar sight order for payment of money, contract, release, or other commercial instrument, it is classified as a state jail felony, which can result in 180 days – 2 years in jail, and a $10,000 fine.

If the writing is or purports to be:

Part of an issue of money, securities, postage or revenue stamps;
A government record listed in Section 37.01(2)(C); or
Other instruments issued by a state or national government or by a subdivision of either, or part of an issue of stock, bonds, or other instruments representing interests in or claims against another person.

It is classified as a third-degree felony, which can result in 2-10 years in prison, and a $10,000 fine.

If it is shown on the trial that the actor engaged in the conduct to obtain or attempt to obtain a property or service, the charge is:

A Class C misdemeanor ($500 fine) if the value of the property or service is less than $100;
A Class B misdemeanor (180 days in jail, and a $2,000 fine) if the value of the property or service is $100 or more but less than $750;
A Class A misdemeanor (1 year in jail, and a $4,000 fine) if the value of the property or service is $750 or more but less than $2,500;
A state jail felony (180 days – 2 years in jail, and a $10,000 fine) if the value of the property or service is $2,500 or more but less than $30,000;
A felony of the third degree (2-10 years in prison, and a $10,000 fine) if the value of the property or service is $30,000 or more but less than $150,000;
A felony of the second degree (2-20 years in prison, and a $10,000 fine) if the value of the property or service is $150,000 or more but less than $300,000; and
A felony of the first degree (5-99 years/life in prison, and a $10,000 fine) if the value of the property or service is $300,000 or more.

The classification of the charge will raise one level if the fraud was committed against an elderly individual.

To discuss a state or federal felony criminal forgery investigation, arrest, charge, or conviction with a criminal defense lawyer that serves the Abilene, TX area contact Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys.

Learn how our lawyers at Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys can protect your rights and fight for your freedom during a consultation with our lawyers, not just meeting with a staff member or law clerk. Contact us today.[/column]

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