Have you been accused of forgery in Birmingham, Alabama? Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. knows how overwhelming it feels to face white collar criminal charges, especially when the consequences are so severe. Our team has more than 100 years of combined legal experience and will protect defendants in Birmingham using all of our knowledge and resources.
If you’ve been arrested, charged, or under investigation for forgery in Birmingham, don’t wait. Call us at (205) 930-9800 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Birmingham forgery lawyer today and learn how we can help you protect your rights and your future.
Why Hire Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. If You’re Arrested for Forgery in Birmingham, AL?
Facing a forgery charge in Birmingham, AL, is stressful and life-altering, but you don’t have to go through it alone. When your future is on the line, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than a firm with proven commitment and results.
Clients throughout the area turn to our Birmingham criminal defense lawyers for many reasons:
- Our attorneys offer 100 years of combined legal experience
- Every attorney in our firm has been honored by Super Lawyers® for outstanding work in criminal defense, with some recognized for 12 straight years.
- We hold 10.0 “Superb” Avvo ratings and belong to the prestigious National Trial Lawyers Top 100
Handling forgery charges without professional help can lead to steeper penalties and long-term consequences. Call our Birmingham forgery attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.
Overview of Forgery in Alabama
Forgery is considered a white-collar crime in Alabama and involves making, altering, completing, or possessing any document with the purpose of tricking or defrauding someone else.
There are different degrees of forgery:
- Forgery in the First Degree: This most serious form of forgery targets government-issued instruments, such as stamps, treasury notes, government securities, or financial papers relating to legitimate companies. Forgery in the first degree is almost always a felony.
- Forgery in the Second Degree: Forgery in the second degree typically involves documents that impact key legal rights or public authority. This could include forging deeds or wills, business or government contracts, official records or documents filed with or issued by a public office, and papers supposed to be used for official government matters.
- Forgery in the Third Degree: This can include everyday financial items like checks, drafts, or promissory notes.
- Forgery in the Fourth Degree: All other forged items not covered above fall under this category.
Alabama takes forgery crimes seriously, no matter the context or document at issue. Because of the harsh and lasting effects of a misdemeanor or felony forgery conviction in Alabama, it’s important to take these charges seriously and reach out to a lawyer right away.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for Forgery?
Being accused of forgery does not always mean you’ll be convicted. There are defenses that can be raised with the help of your lawyer.
Lack of Intent to Defraud
Forgery requires evidence that you intended to trick someone or gain something unlawfully. If you mistakenly possessed or created a document but didn’t mean to defraud, this can be used as a defense.
No Actual Forgery Occurred
Sometimes what police or prosecutors claim is forgery isn’t actually illegal. For example, making changes to a document with full permission or in an official role. If the edits or creation were authorized, you shouldn’t be convicted.
Mistaken Identity or False Accusation
If law enforcement arrested the wrong person, demonstrating alibis, handwriting differences, or showing that someone else had access to computers and records may clear your name.
Improper Police Procedures
If evidence was obtained during an illegal search and seizure, or your rights were violated during an investigation, your attorney can often get this evidence thrown out, meaning it can’t be used against you.
Every forgery case is different, so the exact defense used will depend on the circumstances and what your lawyer thinks is best.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Birmingham Forgery Attorneys Today
Facing a forgery charge is serious, but you are not alone in this fight. At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., every client receives our full dedication to fighting against the charges. We thoroughly examine all available evidence and investigate to uncover anything that could help prove your innocence.
We understand the stress these allegations create, and our goal is to make this process as easy as possible for you. If you’ve been accused of forgery, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Birmingham forgery lawyer.