Phoenix Forgery Attorney
What constitutes forgery in Arizona?
The crimes of forgery and related offenses are governed by Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) §§13-2001 to 13-2011. The crime of forgery, governed by A.R.S. §13-2002, is a class 4 felony, unless a drop house is used, in which case it is a class 3 felony. An individual is guilty of forgery if, with the intent to defraud, he or she:
- Falsely makes, completes, or alters a written instrument
- Knowingly possesses a forged instrument
- Offers or presents, whether accepted or not, a forged instrument or one that contains false information
Defense Strategies Against Charges of Forgery or Fraud
The key to forgery and related cases is that the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an individual acted knowingly and with the intent to defraud. In forgery cases, intent to defraud may be presumed when an individual possesses five or more forged instruments.
Because intent can be difficult to prove, it is important to have an attorney involved early in the process if you have been charged with forgery, or even if you anticipate the risk of being charged. This is in order to protect your rights and minimize any missteps that could help the State to prove its case.
In many situations, if you retain a knowledgeable and experienced attorney early on, you can avoid being charged or convicted. You may also have an opportunity to plead your case down to a less serious offense, such as criminal possession of a forgery device. This is a class 6 felony, which would potentially save you years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
Qualifying individuals may be able to resolve their case by having their charges reduced to a class 6 undesignated or "open" felony. This may allow them to get their charge reduced to a misdemeanor if they successfully complete the terms of their sentence.
Offenses related to forgery include:
- Criminal possession of a forgery device (A.R.S. §13-2003)
- Criminal simulation (A.R.S. §13-2004)
- Obtaining a signature by deception (A.R.S. §13-2005)
- Criminal impersonation (A.R.S. §13-2006)
- Unlawful use of slugs (A.R.S. §13-2007)
- Taking the identity of another person or identity or identity theft (A.R.S. §13-2008)
- Aggravated taking of the identity of another person or entity, identity theft resulting in an economic loss of $3,000 or more, or identity theft for the intent to obtain employment (A.R.S. §13-2009)
- Trafficking in the identity of another person or entity (A.R.S. §13-2010)
- Fraudulent creation or possession of admission tickets to a sporting event, concert, etc. (§ 13-2011)
Facing charges for an alleged forgery offense? Contact us at (602) 428-7104.
Consult With Us By Calling (602) 428-7104
Anyone who has applied for a job or advanced schooling in recent years knows the problems that can be posed by having a felony on your record. An experienced attorney at the office of MayesTelles PLLC could save you from these pitfalls in your forgery or fraud case, which have the potential to cost you many thousands of dollars in future missed opportunities and lost earnings.
If you have been charged or suspect that you may be charged with forgery or a related offense in Arizona, you should contact an attorney to discuss your case immediately.
The knowledgeable and experienced attorneys at the MayesTelles PLLC are available to discuss the specific details of your case any time day or night.

Testimonials
-
“There are no words I can give you to thank you for what your company has done for me!!”
- K.H. -
“I sure hope to never get in trouble again but when I did I put my money and trust in MayesTelles. Not only do they listen, they CARE! As if it was them in my shoes! They don't judge you or make you feel uncomfortable and you can sit back and relax while th”
- L. M. -
“Choosing MayesTelles was a great choice which has put my mind at ease.”
- E.W. -
“Got myself in some trouble and David Lish pulled me right out. He was really good at making me feel comfortable and helping me understand exactly what was going on with my case. David made my Felony go down to a misdemeanor and allowed me to come home to N”
- Elizabeth -
“Zach turned hell to heaven (not guilty) for me and I will never say enough thank you for the fantastic job he did!!!!! Zach thank you”
- SG