Milwaukee Forgery Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of forgery in Milwaukee, contact Hart Powell, S.C. at (414) 271-9595 today. Forgery is a criminal charge that can have serious penalties. These penalties, including months or years in jail and hefty fines, can derail your life and upturn your financial stability. Our team at Hart Powell, S.C. understand the anxiety and uncertainty you are experiencing. Criminal charges are intimidating — but they are not insurmountable. You are innocent until proven guilty, and hiring an experienced Milwaukee forgery defense lawyer with ample legal experience is essential to preventing these charges from totally disrupting your life. Having a professional in your corner, one who will skillfully represent you and defend your rights, is of the utmost importance. To learn more about what Hart Powell, S.C. can do for you after being charged with forgery, contact us today at (414) 271-9595.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer?

Forgery can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, and the possible punishments can be serious for both. Furthermore, the system of laws concerning forgery charges is complex and subject to change. It is therefore imperative to hire a lawyer whose full-time job is to give your case the tailored attention it deserves. To be confident of the best possible outcome, you should hire an attorney without delay. They can investigate the particular details of your case and mount a personalized and persuasive defense to help get your penalties reduced or your charges dropped entirely.

Why Choose Hart Powell, S.C.?

Our experienced team of attorneys at Hart Powell, S.C. will work hard for you to ensure your rights are respected and you receive the fair trial that you deserve. We understand that your reputation, your job, and the life you have worked hard to build for yourself are all threatened by these serious charges. We will treat your case with utmost attention to detail, to ensure that all possible defenses are investigated and no stone is left unturned. Our firm has a reputation for exceptional, aggressive defense, as evidenced by our perfect 10 rating with Avvo and status as Super Lawyers. We will work hard to clear your name and safeguard your life and your future.

What Do I Need to Know About the Charges Against Me?

Forgery is the intentional falsification of documents. Although typically associated with the illegal recreation of a person’s signature, forgery is a broad charge that encompasses many activities. Creating a new document, modifying an existing document, and possessing or using a false document with the intent to deceive someone are all instances of fraud. “Documents” is a similarly broad term that can refer to anything from birth certificates and works of art to checks and wills. There are several elements of a forgery which you should be aware of:

• Intent – Without the intent to defraud, the action was not forgery. If the defendant can prove that they did not intend to deceive, then the charges will likely be dropped. For example, the copying of a painting is only considered forgery if the work was then sold as if it were the original.
• Materially altering the document – A document must be falsely created, modified, or altered to be a forgery.
• Legal significance – The document must impact legal rights and obligations to be prosecuted. Documents that have no legal significance, like birthday cards on which someone might sign a family member’s name, cannot be considered forgery under the law.
• Success – Success in defrauding someone with a forged document is not what matters. The intent to defraud is enough to prosecute someone for forgery.

In criminal court, it is up to the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were guilty. Your lawyer can try to help prove that one of the above elements is missing from their case, and in doing so introduce enough doubt into their case to possibly get your penalties reduced or charges dropped.

What Are the Penalties for Forgery?

In Wisconsin, forgery is a serious offense that carries serious consequences. Forgeries can either be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the conditions of the particular case. Felony forgery charges are levied when the documents in question are public, business, debt, or property rights records. The penalties for felony forgery in Wisconsin are up to six years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Misdemeanor forgery charges are levied when the documents include manufacturing marks, tickets, or membership documentation. Misdemeanor forgery is punishable by up to nine months in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Hiring an attorney who is adept at navigating all facets of the legal system is key to minimizing any punishment you might receive.

Contact Us

If you are facing charges of forgery, contact Hart Powell, S.C. at (414) 271-9595 without delay. The sooner you get an attorney in your corner, the sooner the anxiety and uncertainty you feel can be relieved. Our full-time job is protecting your rights and fighting for your freedom. We know that your family, your reputation, and your job are your primary concerns when confronted with criminal charges. In this difficult time, let us focus on building your defense so you can focus on what’s important to you. Feel confident that your rights are protected and your trial is fair and just by hiring an embezzlement defense attorney at Hart Powell, S.C..