Frisco Forgery and Counterfeit Currency Defense Attorney

Defending Against Forgery Charges in Texas Criminal Court


Forgery is one type of fraud crime under Texas law that also encompasses counterfeiting currency. The law takes these offenses very seriously, and defendants can face serious charges and possible penalties if they are suspected of forgery. If you are arrested or under investigation by authorities, you should contact an experienced Frisco forgery and counterfeiting defense lawyer right away. The Law Office of Brent D. Bowen, PLLC, is ready to help.

Forgery and Counterfeiting in Texas

Texas law defines forgery as altering a written item, making a false written item, or using a false written with the intention of deceiving and defrauding another party. Some examples of forgery include:

  • Making a false document and passing it off as genuine
  • Signing someone else’s name to a document without authority
  • Making false entries in books or records
  • Presenting a document you know is false
  • Changing the amount on a check or another financial document
  • Making false titles or deeds

The prosecutor must prove that you knew the document was false and that you intended to use it to wrongfully obtain property or money, thereby causing losses of another party.

Counterfeiting currency falls under the offense of forgery because it involves making false documents – cash money – to use to fraudulently pay for items when the individual knew the money was fake. It is important to note that counterfeiting can also lead to federal charges, especially if there was a larger-scale counterfeiting scheme.

Charges and Possible Penalties for Forgery and Counterfeiting

Like many offenses, the charges and penalties for forgery and counterfeiting will depend on the circumstances alleged – specifically, the type of document that was allegedly forged and the value of the fraud or attempted fraud, among other factors.

Class A misdemeanor charge – The base level for forgery offenses is a Class A misdemeanor charge, and this can apply if no aggravating factors exist. This can mean fines up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail.

State jail felony – The charge escalates to a state jail felony if the forged document is a deed, mortgage, will, check, contract, credit card, security instrument, or payment authorization. This can come with minimum 6 months and up to two years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Third-degree felony – Someone can face third-degree felony charges for forgery if the document was paper currency, postage stamps, bonds, stocks, or government records or papers. This is how counterfeiting currency is also generally charged. A conviction can mean fines up to $10,000 and two to ten years in prison.

Charges can be escalated further if the victim was an elderly person or if the amount of money the defendant tried to obtain was more than $150,000.

Contact a Frisco Forgery and Counterfeit Currency Lawyer Today

Forgery and counterfeiting are serious offenses, and these cases often involve felony charges. You need a Texas criminal defense attorney from the Law Office of Brent D. Bowen, PLLC, defending against your charges. Call 940-222-2488 or contact us online to discuss your case today.