Florida Woman Charged With Fraud, Forgery

Check forgery is a common crime. It involves illegal use of checks, such as stealing them from someone or using them when there is not enough money to cover them.

A Florida woman was recently arrested for trying to cash stolen checks and forging checks that did not belong to her. The incidents occurred in 2022.

The 46-year-old woman is charged with two counts each of financial identity fraud and forgery. She was arrested and held last week at the Oconee County Detention Center on a $55,000  bond.

The woman was involved in three incidents on September 28, 2022. On that day, the woman was accused of signing her name to cash two checks for $2,650 each. On that same day, the woman used a South Carolina driver’s license and Social Security number belonging to someone else, without that person’s knowledge.

An Oconee County Sheriff’s Office deputy talked to the woman about the incident two days after it happened. The deputy never received information about the case, so it was later turned over to the investigations bureau.

Forgery in Florida

In Florida, forgery is a serious criminal offense governed by Florida Statutes § 831.01. It involves falsely making, altering, forging, or counterfeiting any written instrument with the intent to defraud another party.

Related offenses include:

• Uttering a forged instrument: Knowingly presenting a forged document as real.
• Counterfeiting: Creating fake currency or government-issued documents.
• Fraudulent use of personal identification: Using someone else’s identity to commit fraud.

Examples of forgery include the following:

• Falsifying signatures on checks or contracts
• Creating fake legal documents (such as wills or property deeds)
• Altering prescriptions for controlled substances
• Producing counterfeit IDs

Forgery is classified as a third-degree felony in Florida. It is punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine. If multiple forgeries are committed, charges may be stacked, leading to more severe penalties.

Possible defenses include the following:

• Lack of intent to defraud. Florida law requires intent to defraud or injure another party for a forgery charge to hold. If the defendant did not knowingly or willfully alter a document to deceive someone, the charge may not stand.
  Lack of knowledge. A person must knowingly possess or use a forged document for it to be considered a crime. If the accused was unaware that a document was forged, this can serve as a defense.
  Mistaken identity or false accusation. Forgery cases often rely on handwriting analysis, witness testimony, or circumstantial evidence. If there is reasonable doubt about whether the accused actually committed the forgery, the charges may not hold.
• Consent or authorization. If the document owner gave permission for the changes or signature, it may not be forgery.

Contact Us Today

Forgery is often done for financial gain but it is a serious crime that can result in felony charges. Make sure you protect yourself with a solid defense.

A conviction can come with severe penalties. You need a Florida criminal defense lawyer from Linkhorst & Hockin, P.A. on your side. Call 561-626-8880 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation today.

Source:

upstatetoday.com/news/florida-woman-accused-of-forgery-cashing-stolen-check/article_b2f820ca-ffc8-11ef-a9de-c34ecdebf42b.html