Fraud Lawyer In Harrisburg, PA

Fraud is a crime that a person commits to deceive another person or entity and is often orchestrated by using forged materials. Forgery is one of the most common crimes related to fraud schemes. Typically, the defendant forges paperwork to obtain access to materials or information they couldn’t have accessed otherwise.

If you have been accused or are being investigated for fraud or forgery, it’s in your best interest to discuss your legal options with a Harrisburg, PA, white-collar crimes attorney as soon as possible. Contact the Law Offices of Cory A. Leshner, LLC, for your free case review with our Harrisburg, PA, white-collar crimes attorney.

Understanding Fraud and Forgery Charges in Pennsylvania

Forgery is a crime based on fraud. Under the law, you can be charged with forgery if you intentionally deceive or injure an individual or entity and:

• Modifies another individual’s writing without their authorization
• Creates, transfers, issues, authenticates, or completes any writing to make it seem that:
  • another individual (without their knowing) did it;
  • the writing was executed in a specific numbered sequence or at a place or time, even if it was not or
  • it was a duplicate of an original material, even if there was no original material
• States any writing they know is forged in a way indicated above

These also apply even if you just facilitated a fraudulent scheme that another individual orchestrated.

Common types of forgery crimes involve the following:

• Checks
• Mortgage documents
• Identification, such as passports, driver’s licenses, etc.
• Prescription documents
• Art
• Credit card applications
• Checks from closed bank accounts
• Loan or other financial application documents

It is crucial to note that it doesn’t matter whether or not the defendant was actually successful in committing fraud. What matters is that the defendant must have intentionally committed fraud.

The Penalties for a Forgery Conviction Are Severe

The potential penalties for a forgery conviction will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. It can also be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. In general, the penalties will depend on the specific material the defendant forged. In most cases, forgery crimes are charged as first-degree misdemeanors. Potential penalties include a fine not exceeding $10,000 and imprisonment of five years.

If the forgery crime involves a deed, contract, will, or other commercial instrument, the defendant can be charged with a third-degree felony. If convicted, the potential penalties include a fine not exceeding $15,000 and seven years in prison. If it involves money, security, or postage, the defendant can be charged with a second-degree felony. Potential penalties are a fine of up to $25,000 and 10 years in prison.

Seek Legal Guidance From an Experienced Harrisburg White Collar Crimes Attorney Today

Fraud and forgery crimes are among the most aggressively prosecuted white-collar crimes. That’s why working with an experienced Harrisburg, PA, white-collar crimes attorney when you’re facing these charges is vital. You can learn more about how our Harrisburg, PA, white-collar crimes attorney can help by reaching the Law Offices of Cory A. Leshner, LLC, online or by phone at 717-909-9999 and arranging your free case evaluation.