Forgery is a serious crime in Canada, with severe consequences for those who are found guilty. If you have been charged with forgery, it is essential to seek the help of an experienced lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.
What is Forgery?
Forgery refers to the act of creating or altering a document with the intention of it being used or acted on as genuine. It is often committed along with other financial crimes such as fraud, or trafficking in forged documents. This can include creating fake checks or credit cards, altering bank statements or other financial records, or altering someone’s government issued identity to use that person’s financial information without permission.
Forgery is considered a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. The severity of the penalties for forgery depends on the specific circumstances of the case and the value of the financial loss involved.
Several types of financial forgery can occur in Calgary, including:
- Creating fake checks or credit cards: This can involve creating counterfeit checks or credit cards or altering legitimate checks or credit cards to commit fraud.
- Altering financial records: This can involve altering bank statements, invoices, or other financial documents to commit fraud or cover up financial crimes.
- Altering someone else’s financial or government information. This can include creating a “fake ID”.
Penalties for Forgery
In Calgary, forgery is considered a criminal offence and is punishable by law. The severity of the penalties depends on the specific circumstances of the case and the value of the loss involved.
Forgery can be prosecuted by way of summary offence, which means that it can be punishable by up to six months in prison. It can also be prosecuted by way of indictment, which means that it can be punishable by up to 10 years in prison. A conviction for forgery could also include an order to pay restitution to the victim for any financial losses resulting from the forgery.
In addition to criminal penalties, individuals who are convicted of financial forgery may also face civil penalties. This can include being ordered to pay restitution to the victim for any financial losses they suffered due to the forgery.
Individuals convicted of financial forgery may face other personal consequences such as: damage to their professional reputation, difficulty finding employment or housing, and damaged family and personal relationships.
How a Lawyer Can Help
If you have been charged with forgery, it is essential to seek the help of a skilled lawyer who can help you understand the legal process and protect your rights. An experienced lawyer can review the evidence against you, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court.
A lawyer can also help you explore potential defence strategies, such as arguing that you did not have the intent to deceive or defraud or that you did not forge the document in question. In some cases, negotiating a plea deal may also be possible to reduce the penalties you may face.
Calgary lawyer Yoav Niv has extensive experience defending clients against forgery charges and can provide you with the legal representation you need to protect your rights and interests. With his help, you can navigate the legal system and work towards a positive outcome in your case.
If you have been charged with forgery, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. Contact Yoav Niv today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how he can help you defend against forgery charges.
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