Forgery refers to a wide range of criminal activities that involve acts of deceit and fraud. Under South Carolina law, forgery charges can damage your reputation and risk severe penalties upon conviction. An Anderson forgery lawyer from Ellis Hinton can provide you with experienced criminal defense before, during, and after an arrest.
We provide clients with a personalized approach in their case founded on an honest and realistic understanding of their situation. Our federal and state prosecutor experience gives us a unique ability to confidently defend clients in Anderson, South Carolina while delivering the comfort and feel of a small firm. Contact our knowledgeable fraud attorneys today for more information and to begin building a strong defense.
The South Carolina Criminal Code § 16-13-10 defines four unlawful acts as a crime of forgery, including the following:
Forgery is a broad crime that encompasses many different written instruments and contexts. It could involve providing false business records to deceive a lender or fabricating false government records, such as a personal identification document.
The context of a forgery charge could also deal with other criminal charges on a state or federal level. Gaining representation from an Anderson lawyer with state and federal experience can help defend against all related forgery allegations. Call Ellis Hinton, LLC, today to partner with a seasoned criminal defense attorney.
South Carolina distinguishes the class of a forgery charge and its potential penalties based on the underlying circumstances of the false activity. Forgery that does not involve a dollar amount is a misdemeanor offense and carries a potential punishment of up to three years of imprisonment, along with the possibility of a fine at the court’s discretion.
In comparison, a forgery that involves a dollar amount is a felony offense with the potential punishment depending on the dollar amount subject to the forgery. Dollar amounts under $10,000 have a maximum possible punishment of five years, while dollar amounts of $10,000 or more are punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment. A conviction for felony forgery may also result in a fine under the court’s discretion, as our legal professionals at Ellis Hinton can explain in more detail.
Understanding the possible punishments for a forgery conviction can help when discussing defense options and strategies for navigating criminal proceedings with a forgery lawyer in Anderson. You will have to weigh the risks and probabilities of a conviction when entering a plea of guilty or not guilty and when contemplating the terms of an offered plea deal with the prosecutor.
Receive trusted and professional counsel from an Anderson forgery lawyer at Ellis Hinton, LLC, if you have concerns about an arrest or were recently charged by the state. We are a small firm based in Greenville, servicing South Carolina and beyond.
Schedule an initial consultation with our law office today to discuss criminal defense in a forgery case or another white-collar crime.
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