Understanding forgery charges in Washington State. 

Law enforcement agencies and the courts in Washington State take allegations of forgery seriously, and if you have been charged with this crime it is advisable to retain a Washington criminal attorney as early as possible to help you avoid a conviction.

You should not discuss the charges with anyone but your legal counsel, as statements you make to investigators or others could potentially incriminate you further and cost you the opportunity to exonerate yourself or to have the charges reduced or dismissed. Our firm has well over 30 years of combined criminal defense experience, and we urge you to visit our office or call us today to receive a confidential consultation.

Forgery, such as in counterfeiting and identity theft, is covered by Chapter 9A.60.020 of the Revised Code of Washington, and it occurs when an individual falsely makes, completes, or alters a written instrument or possesses, utters, offers, disposes of or puts off as true, a document with knowledge that it is forged.

The prosecutor must prove that the defendant committed the act with the intent to injure or defraud others. Forgery is considered to be a crime of dishonesty, and a conviction may not only result in criminal penalties but also the serious social stigma of carrying a criminal record.