Forging and Uttering Defense Attorney
Trusted forging and uttering lawyers serving Fairfax, VA and surrounding areas
In Virginia, a defendant can be charged with forgery in a wide variety of different circumstances. Intentional forgery will be charged as a Class 5 felony offense — and a conviction will carry a maximum penalty of up to ten years in prison. Though, the severity of the punishment will always depend on the specific nature of the allegations raised. Defendants facing ‘forging’ or ‘uttering’ charges in Virginia need professional legal support from an experienced Fairfax VA Forging and Uttering Attorney.
At Leary Law, our forgery defense attorneys have the skills and knowledge required to handle the full range of forging and uttering charges. We are committed to providing strong and attentive representation to each and every client. If you or your family member was charged with forgery in Northern Virginia, please do not hesitate to reach out to our law firm today for a confidential initial consultation.
Virginia Statute: What is Forging and Uttering?
Under Virginia law (Code of Virginia § 18.2-172), forging and uttering will be charged as a Class 5 felony offense. The maximum penalty is up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. To convict a defendant of forgery in Virginia, prosecutors must prove the following two basic elements of the crime:
- The defendant made/created a fraudulent item or document; and
- The defendant did so with the intention of defrauding or injuring another party.
To be clear, forgery involves the actual creation or production of an illicit document. However, a defendant can still be charged with a very serious crime even if they did not actually create the fraudulent documents. Using a false document with the intent of defrauding or injuring another party is referred to as ‘uttering’ in Virginia. Though forging and uttering offenses often overlap, it is possible for a defendant to only be charged with one of the two crimes.
Why Choose the Forging and Uttering Lawyers at Leary Law
Forging and uttering cases are especially complex. Our Virginia white collar defense lawyers have the experience and sophistication needed to handle the full range of forgery charges. No matter the specific circumstances of the allegations raised against you, we will fight for your rights. Among other things, our Fairfax and Manassas forgery defense attorneys are prepared to:
- Offer a strictly private review of your case;
- Listen to your story and address your questions and concerns;
- Gather all potentially relevant exonerating evidence; and
- Devise a sensible and effective defense strategy.
Ultimately, forgery charges must always be handled on a case-by-case basis. The legal defense strategy that works well for one client may be wholly inappropriate for another. Our Fairfax VA Forging and Uttering Attorney at Leary Law handles each case with the undivided attention that it deserves. Whether that means mounting an aggressive defense against false forgery charges or looking for opportunities to limit penalties and keep our clients out of jail, we are ready to help. You need a lawyer who will put in the time and energy to protect your rights and interests.
Get Help From Our Virginia Forgery Defense Lawyers Right Away
At Leary Law, our white collar crimes defense attorneys have deep experience handling a wide range of cases, including forging and uttering charges. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with any type of forgery-related crime, we are here to help. To set up a fully confidential criminal defense consultation, please call our law firm today. With law offices in Fairfax and Manassas. we defend white collar and fraud charges throughout the region, including in Falls Church, Chantilly, Reston, Bristow, Centreville, and Annandale.