Nashville Forgery Defense Attorney

Are you or someone you know facing allegations of forgery in Nashville? You need to take quick and strategic action to protect your reputation and future.

Forgery is a serious offense that carries severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines, and not to mention, long-term consequences such as irreversible damage to your personal and professional standing.

To avoid jeopardizing your future and livelihood, especially due to false accusations or mistakes, you need to enlist the services of an experienced Nashville forgery defense attorney as soon as possible.

At Nash Law, we understand the serious implications that forgery charges carry and the impact that they can have on your life and career. That’s why we specialize in fighting for the rights of those who have been accused of committing this offense.

With decades of combined experience, our attorneys have successfully defended countless individuals against forgery charges. We can do the same for you. Don’t hesitate to give our Nashville white collar crimes defense lawyers a call at 615-NASH-LAW for effective legal representation.

What is Forgery?

The State of Tennessee defines forgery as the act of creating, altering, or presenting a written instrument with the intent to deceive others and cause harm or gain financially.

Here, the term “written instrument” refers to any document or record containing written or printed information that has legal significance. This also includes physical objects such as coins, badges, credit cards, and seals.

Examples of written instruments commonly recognized under Tennessee law include:

Checks

These are written orders directing a bank to pay a specified sum of money from the drawer’s account to the payee named on the check.

Examples of forgery scenarios involving checks arise when an individual:

• Alters the numerical or written amount on a check to increase the payment.
• Creates counterfeit checks using stolen or fabricated bank account information.
• Forges the signature of the payee or drawer on the check.

Signatures

Signatures serve as a person’s written endorsement or authentication of a document. They indicate authorization, consent, or agreement.

Examples of forgery scenarios involving signatures include:

• Forging someone else’s signature on legal contracts, financial documents, or checks without their permission.

Legal Contracts

Legal contracts are formal agreements between parties that create binding obligations and are enforceable by law.

Examples of a forgery scenario involving legal contract include:

• Creating fake contracts to misrepresent transactions or agreements.
• Altering the terms or provisions of a contract without the knowledge or consent of all parties involved.
• Falsifying signatures on a contract to indicate consent where none exists.

Identification Documents

Identification documents are documents issued by government authorities that serve to verify a person’s identity.

Examples of forgery scenarios involving these types of documents include:

• The production of counterfeit driver’s licenses, passports, or ID cards with falsified information.
• The alteration of the photo or personal details on an existing identification document to assume another person’s identity.

What Are the Legal Elements of Forgery?

There are several key elements that must be present to prove that one is guilty of committing forgery:

• Falsification or Alteration: There must be proof that the accused unlawfully modified or created the document in question.
• Intent to Deceive or Defraud: It must be established that it was the intent of the accused to deceive or defraud another party.
• Use of the Forged Document: It must also be established that the forged document was used to obtain something of value or to harm another party.

What Are the Legal Consequences of Forgery in Tennessee?

Penalties for forgery in Tennessee

In Tennessee, individuals convicted of committing forgery may face a range of penalties, including:

• Criminal Fines: Individuals found guilty of forgery may be subject to criminal fines of up to $25,000, depending on the value of the property involved.
• Incarceration: Forgery is generally classified as a felony in Tennessee, and the penalties for forgery can include imprisonment ranging from one to thirty years depending on the severity of the crime.
• Restitution: In addition to fines and imprisonment, a person convicted of forgery may be required to pay restitution to the victim or victims of the crime.
• Civil penalties: A person convicted of forgery may also face civil penalties, such as being sued for damages by the victim or victims of the crime.

Classification of forgeries in Tennessee:

Forgeries under $2,500

• Forgeries under $2,500 are classified as a Class E felony in Tennessee.
• They carry penalties including imprisonment for 1 to 6 years and fines up to $3,000.

Forgeries ($2,500-$10,000)

• Forgery offenses involving property valued between $2,500 and $10,000 are classified as Class D felonies in Tennessee.
• These carry penalties including imprisonment for 2 to 12 years and fines up to $5,000.

Forgeries ($10,000-$60,000)

• Forgery offenses involving property valued over $10,000 are classified as Class C felonies in Tennessee.
• These carry penalties including imprisonment for 3 to 15 years and fines up to $10,000.

Forgeries($60,000-$250,000)

• Forgery offenses involving a loss valued between $60,000 and $250,000 are classified as Class B felonies in Tennessee.
• These carry penalties including imprisonment for 8 to 30 years and fines up to $25,000.

Defending Against Forgery Charges

Some of the defense strategies that a Nashville forgery defense attorney may employ for forgery charges could include:

• Lack of intent or knowledge: The defense may argue that did not have the intent to defraud or deceive, or simply did not know that the document in question was forged.
• Mistaken identity: The defense may assert that the accused was mistakenly identified as the person who committed the forgery.
• Lack of evidence: If there is insufficient evidence to prove that the accused committed the forgery, the defense may argue that the case against them is weak.
• Entrapment: The defense may argue that the accused was coerced or induced into committing forgery by law enforcement.

It is crucial to consult with an attorney to determine the best defense strategy for your specific case. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will help protect your rights, and fight hard to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties.

All in all, a Nashville forgery defense attorney will help secure the best possible outcome for your case.

How a Nashville Forgery Defense Attorney Can Help

A criminal defense attorney plays several critical roles throughout the legal process to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

Here’s what a Nashville forgery defense attorney will do for you:

• Evaluate the strength of the case: Your attorney will analyze the evidence and determine the likelihood of success in challenging the accusations. They will also advise you on the potential outcomes and risks associated with various legal strategies.
• Develop effective defense strategies: Your Nashville forgery defense attorney will meticulously evaluate the evidence presented by the prosecution, including documents, witness testimony, and forensic analysis; identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case and challenge the admissibility or credibility of evidence when appropriate.
  Based on the unique aspects of your case, Nashville forgery defense attorneys will determine the most viable defense strategies, for example, lack of intent, mistaken identity, or coercion.
• Negotiate plea agreements: If deemed the best option, your attorneys will negotiate favorable plea agreements with the prosecutor on your behalf, potentially reducing the charges or minimizing penalties.
• Trial representation: Experienced Nashville forgery defense attorneys can argue on behalf of their clients during trials, providing insightful analysis and persuading jurors or judges to find their clients not guilty.

Reach out to an Experienced Nashville Forgery Defense Attorney Today!

Forgery charges in Tennessee carry serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and lasting damage to one’s reputation. Do not let false accusations, mistakes, or poor legal representation ruin your life and livelihood.

Our highly qualified and experienced Nashville forgery defense attorneys at Nash Law are here to provide you with quality and effective legal representation and support. Contact our law offices today at 615-NASH-LAW to secure the best possible outcome in your case.