Phoenix Forgery Lawyer

Forgery may not involve violence, but Arizona treats it as a serious felony offense with severe and lasting consequences. A conviction can result in jail time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and your future opportunities. That’s why it’s critical to consult an experienced Phoenix forgery lawyer the moment you learn you’re under investigation or charged.

At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, Attorney Josh takes a smart, strategic approach to criminal defense. We analyze every detail of your case, craft personalized defense strategies, and work toward the strongest possible outcome. Our firm’s reputation is built on one mission: Smart Defense. Strong Results.

According to A.R.S. §13-2002, forgery occurs when someone acts with intent to defraud and:

• Falsely makes, completes, or alters a written instrument
• Knowingly possesses a forged document (e.g., check, contract, license)
• Offers or presents a forged document as authentic

Written instruments may include anything from legal contracts and financial documents to IDs, signatures, stamps, and more. Forgery charges can arise from:

• Signing another person’s name without consent
• Altering a will, deed, or contract
• Creating or using fake identification
• Modifying official documents like licenses or checks
• Using counterfeit software or devices to produce fraudulent documents

The key factor in any forgery charge is intent to defraud. Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you acted knowingly with the intent to deceive. As your Phoenix forgery lawyer, Attorney Josh focuses on challenging that assumption and minimizing your exposure to penalties.

Forgery is typically charged as a Class 4 felony in Arizona, but the severity of punishment depends on the circumstances of the case and your criminal history.

Class 4 Felony Forgery

• Standard sentence: 2.5 years in prison
• Maximum sentence: 3.75 years
• Up to $150,000 in fines
• Up to 3 years of probation
• A permanent felony record

Class 3 Felony Forgery

If the forged document was used to commit a more serious crime—such as renting property for criminal purposes—your charge may be elevated to a Class 3 felony with:

• 3.5 years of standard prison time
• A maximum sentence exceeding 8 years

Repeat offenders or those with prior felony convictions can face enhanced sentencing, including mandatory prison terms and harsher penalties.

Attorney Josh has years of experience handling all types of forgery and fraud-related crimes in Arizona. These include:

Criminal Possession of a Forgery Device

(Class 6 Felony) – Possessing or making tools used to commit forgery. Punishable by up to 2 years in prison.

Criminal Simulation

(Class 6 Felony) – Altering an object to increase its value deceptively.

Obtaining a Signature by Deception

(Class 1 Misdemeanor) – Convincing someone to sign a document through misrepresentation. Carries up to 6 months of jail time.

Criminal Impersonation

(Class 6 Felony) – Pretending to be someone else to deceive or commit fraud.

Identity Theft

(Class 4 Felony) – Using another person’s identity or information without consent. Punishable by up to 3.75 years in prison.

If you’re facing any of these charges, you need a skilled Phoenix forgery lawyer who can break down the charges, clarify the risks, and fight for the most favorable resolution possible.

Attorney Josh doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all defense. Every client deserves a defense that’s customized to the facts of the case and their specific circumstances. After thoroughly reviewing the evidence and procedural history, we may use the following defense strategies:

• No intent to defraud – The prosecution cannot prove you intended to deceive anyone.
• Owner consent – You had permission to sign or modify the document.
• Lack of knowledge – You were unaware that the document in your possession was forged.
• Miranda rights violation – Statements made without proper advisement may be suppressed.
• Flawed forensic investigation – Expert analysis may expose errors in document examination or evidence handling.

Our goal is to seek a dismissal or reduction of charges when possible. If the evidence is strong, we focus on negotiating plea deals that minimize penalties or help you avoid a felony record altogether.

With your reputation, freedom, and future at risk, choosing the right defense attorney is critical. Attorney Josh stands out because he combines legal precision with a strategic mindset that helps clients overcome even the most difficult charges.

Why clients trust Attorney Josh:

• In-depth knowledge of Arizona’s criminal statutes and sentencing guidelines
• A history of reduced charges, dismissed cases, and favorable plea deals
• Personalized defense strategies—not generic templates
• Transparent communication from start to finish
• A reputation in Phoenix for Smart Defense. Strong Results.

We know how prosecutors build forgery cases, and we know how to dismantle them.

Facing a forgery charge in Phoenix can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, we fight hard to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and guide you toward the best possible outcome.

Whether you’re under investigation, have been formally charged, or are preparing for trial, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Don’t let a forgery accusation define your future.

Schedule a free consultation today with a trusted Phoenix forgery lawyer. Let us protect your record, your reputation, and your freedom with Smart Defense. Strong Results.

As soon as you know you’re involved in a forgery case, work with an experienced, proactive, and dedicated criminal lawyer right away. And Attorney Josh, The Law office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC is one of the best legal teams you can have in Arizona!

Our knowledge of the state’s forgery laws and glowing records of cases we won can assure you that we will handle your case with equal skill and keen attention to detail. We are a team of certified and licensed law practitioners who specialize in defending alleged criminals facing charges of varying intensity—forgery being one of them.

We are passionate about helping you protect your rights and keep your criminal record as clean as possible. It is always our goal to avoid any of our client’s convictions. But if the prosecution has a strong case, and a conviction is unavoidable, rest assured that our forgery lawyer will do their best to mitigate your penalties to the minimum.

We proudly represent clients in:

• Phoenix
• Mesa
• Scottsdale
• Maricopa County