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Charges Dropped Arson
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Charges Dropped Embezzlement
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Not Guilty DUI
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Pardon Granted Governor’s Pardon for Theft
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Charges Dropped Embezzlement
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Not Guilty Drug Trafficking
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Not Guilty Aggravated Assault
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Not Guilty Rape case
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Not Guilty Drug Trafficking
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Not Guilty Child Pornography
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Pardon Granted Governor’s Pardon for Assault
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Not Guilty Murder Case
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Not Guilty Double Homicide
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Not Guilty Aggravated Assault
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Not Guilty College student rape case
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Acquittal Impeachment Trial
Philadelphia Forgery Lawyer
Forgery Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Countering Fraudulent Document Charges Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania
Forgery is a serious crime with substantial penalties. Defending the crime of fraud should be taken seriously. If you have been accused of forgery, hire a skilled Philadelphia forgery attorney to defend you. You will be facing a determined District Attorney who wants to prove your guilt. Let us find proof to defend your innocence. The attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin have substantial experience defending white collar crimes.
Find Out What Your Case is Worth
We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.
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“This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”- Sewall M. Jr.
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“Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”- Former Client
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“Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”- Ninel B.
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“This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue. can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”- Bennie H.
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“I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”- Quiana
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“I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”- RB
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“Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”- Frank A.
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“Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”- Leslie L.
Elements of the Offense of Forgery
Under Pennsylvania law, forgery is when a person has the intent to defraud or harm another person and performs any of the following:
- Alters the writing of another without that person’s consent
- Executes or transfers any writing while claiming it to be the act of another who did not provide permission to perform the act
- Knowingly offers a forged document as authentic, for payment or trade
Examples of forgery include:
- Altering a financial document
- Falsifying another person’s signature on a check
- Changing the amount on a check without authorization
- Cashing a forged check at a financial institution
- Utilizing a forged document to acquire or transfer money or property
- Making a false real estate document like a deed
The offender does not need to deceive or defraud another in order to be guilty of forgery. The crime requires only the intent to commit the act.
Degrees of Forgery
- The crime of forgery is classified as both a misdemeanor and felony, depending on the instrument or kind of document included.
- Felony of the second degree involves any forged items such as postage, money, or security and is punishable by no more than ten years in prison and/or a $25,000 maximum fine.
- When the writing being forged is a will, contract, commercial instrument, or deed it is a felony of the third degree and is subject to a maximum prison term of seven years in prison and/or a fine up to $15,000. A check is an example of a commercial instrument.
- A misdemeanor of the first degree applies to all other types of forgery and faces a punishment of up to five years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $10,000.
Defenses to Forgery
- The accused did not intend to mislead or injure another.
- The accused did not possess any knowledge that a document was forged.
- Aggravated Assault
- Arson
- Assault
- Bail Hearings
- Child Pornography
- Drug Crimes
- Drug Possession
- DUI
- Expungements
- Federal Crimes
- Federal Crimes
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Institutional Sexual Assault
- Internet Crimes
- Marijuana Possession
- Multiple DUI
- Murder
- Preliminary Hearings
- Probation Detainers
- Probation Violations
- Public Intoxication
- Reckless Endangerment
- Red Flag Law
- Revenge Porn
- Sex Crimes
- Shoplifting
- Theft Crimes
- Underage DUI
- Vandalism
- Victimless Sex Offenses
- Weapons Offenses
- White Collar Crimes
The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture
Meet Michael T. van der Veen
From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forgery Charges in Philadelphia
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!
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Remain calm and do not speak with law enforcement without an attorney present. Anything said during questioning can be used against you. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately so they can intervene early, protect your rights, and prevent the case from escalating unnecessarily.
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Yes. Forgery charges can sometimes be dismissed if the prosecution cannot prove intent or if the evidence was collected illegally. Charges may also be reduced through strategic negotiations, especially for first time offenders or cases involving low value documents. A defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the case and push for the best possible resolution.
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Lack of knowledge is a valid defense. The prosecution must prove that you knowingly used or created a forged document. If you reasonably believed the document was legitimate, your attorney can argue that the required mental state for the crime is missing.
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Yes. Forgery is considered a crime of dishonesty, which can severely impact employment opportunities, professional licenses, and background checks. This is why fighting the charges early and aggressively is essential. A strong defense can help you avoid a conviction that may follow you for years.
in their own words
Clients share their experiences and results firsthand
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"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
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"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
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"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
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"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
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