Houston Forgery Attorney

Houston Forgery Defense Lawyer

Section 32.21 of the Texas Penal Code codifies the offense of forgery. To forge, under Texas Law, means “to alter, make, complete, execute, or authenticate” a writing with the “intent to defraud or harm another.” A writing is not limited to printed material but can include nearly any form of printing such as money, stamps, trademarks, seals, and other symbols of value.

Penalties for Forgery in Texas

According to Texas Law, if found guilty of forgery, a person may be convicted of a Class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor can result in a jail sentence of up to one (1) year and a fine not to exceed $4,000.

If the forgery was a “will, codicil, deed of trust, mortgage, security instrument, security agreement, credit card, check, authorization to debit an account at a financial institution or similar sight order for payment of money, contract, release or other commercial instrument” it may be charged as a state jail felony. If convicted of a state jail felony, you could face up to two (2) years in jail and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

According to Section 32.21(e) forgery of money, securities, stamps, individual government records, or other instruments such as stocks or bonds issued by a state or national government can result in conviction of a felony of the third degree. Penalties for a 3rd-degree felony in the State of Texas include up to ten (10) years in jail and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Furthermore, if the forgery was done to “obtain or attempt to obtain a property or service,” the penalties increase based on the value of the property or service. If the value of the property is service is:

Less than $100 – it is classified as a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

$100 or more but less than $750 – it is classified as a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine not to exceed $2,000.

$750 or more but less than $2,500 – it is classified as a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one (1) year in jail and a fine not to exceed $4,000.

$2,500 or more but less than $30,000 – it is classified as a state jail felony punishable by up to two (2) years in jail and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

$30,000 or more but less than $150,000 – it is classified as a third-degree felony punishable by up to ten (10) years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

$150,000 or more but less than $300,000 – it is classified as a second-degree felony punishable by up to twenty (20) years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

$300,000 or more – it is classified as a first-degree felony punishable by up to life imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or any term not less than five (5) years or more than ninety-nine (99) years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Defending Forgery Charges in Texas

If you have been charged with forgery or fraud in Texas, your entire life could be turned upside down. It is imperative to retain a knowledgeable defense attorney that can represent you on both state and federal charges. Several defenses arise in forgery cases, including lack of intent, mistake of fact, and insufficient evidence. If you are accused of committing forgery, you need experience you can trust.

Attorney James Alston is a former state and federal prosecutor who has extensive knowledge investigating white-collar crime cases. He is board-certified in criminal law and provides an aggressive defense for his clients. Contact James Alston Law today at (713) 228-1400 to schedule a consultation.