Chandler Forgery Lawyer

Forgery in Arizona involves creating, altering, or using false documents with intent to defraud. Under ARS § 13-2002, forgery is always a Class 4 Felony—there is no misdemeanor forgery offense in Arizona. This means even first-time offenders face potential prison time. Common forgery cases in Chandler include check forgery, fake identification documents, forged contracts, and prescription fraud. Because forgery is classified as a “crime of dishonesty,” conviction creates lasting consequences for professional licensing, security clearances, and employment.

Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients throughout Chandler facing forgery charges.

→ For comprehensive Arizona forgery information, see: Arizona Forgery Laws

Forgery Under Arizona Law (ARS § 13-2002)

A person commits forgery if, with intent to defraud, they engage in any of these three types of conduct:

1. Falsely Makes, Completes, or Alters a Written Instrument

Creating a false document from scratch or modifying a genuine document to change its meaning, terms, or effect.

Examples:

• Creating counterfeit checks
• Altering dollar amounts on checks or documents
• Adding unauthorized signatures to contracts
• Changing dates, terms, or parties

2. Knowingly Possesses a Forged Instrument

Having custody or control of a document you know is forged, even if you didn’t create it.

Examples:

• Possessing counterfeit checks from others
• Holding fake identification documents
• Having forged contracts in your possession

3. Offers or Presents a Forged Instrument

Using or attempting to use a forged document, regardless of whether the attempt succeeds.

Examples:

• Cashing or depositing forged check
• Presenting fake ID
• Submitting forged contracts
• Using forged prescriptions

Documents Covered

Arizona’s forgery statute covers any “written instrument” including:

Financial Instruments

• Personal and business checks
• Money orders and cashier’s checks
• Promissory notes
• Loan documents and applications

Identification Documents

• Driver’s licenses (fake IDs)
• State identification cards
• Passports and visas
• Social Security cards

Legal Documents

• Contracts and agreements
• Real estate deeds
• Powers of attorney
• Court orders

Other Documents

• Prescriptions
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Insurance documents
• Employment documents

Classification and Penalties

Always Class 4 Felony

Sentence (First)	Prison Range
Mitigated	1.5 years
Presumptive	2.5 years
Aggravated	3.75 years
Probation	Eligible

Prior Felony Enhancement

Prior Felonies	Sentence Range
1 prior	2.25 – 7.5 years
2+ priors	6 – 15 years

Related Offenses

Possession of Forgery Device (ARS § 13-2003)

Making or possessing devices for creating forged documents.

Classification: Class 6 Felony

Criminal Simulation (ARS § 13-2004)

Making objects appear to have value or authenticity they don’t possess.

Classification: Class 6 Felony

Obtaining Signature by Deception (ARS § 13-2005)

Tricking someone into signing a document through deception.

Classification: Class 4 Felony

Common Forgery Scenarios in Chandler

Check Forgery

Most frequently prosecuted forgery type:

• Signing someone else’s name on their checks
• Creating counterfeit checks from scratch
• Altering payee names or dollar amounts
• Forging endorsements on checks made to others
• Using closed or fictitious account checks

Fake Identification Documents

Extremely common, especially among younger defendants:

• Fake driver’s licenses for alcohol purchase
• Altered birth dates on real IDs
• Using another person’s identification
• Creating false identification from scratch
• Important: This is a felony despite common perception as minor

Prescription Forgery

Healthcare-related forgery:

• Creating fake prescriptions for controlled substances
• Altering quantities or refill information on legitimate prescriptions
• Using stolen prescription pads
• Forging physician signatures

Contract and Document Forgery

Business and legal document forgery:

• Forging signatures on contracts
• Altering contract terms after legitimate signing
• Creating fake legal documents
• Forging powers of attorney
• Real estate document forgery

Investigation and Prosecution

How Forgery Is Detected

Common detection methods:

• Bank verification of signatures
• Handwriting analysis comparison
• Document examination by experts
• Surveillance footage at point of use
• Victim reports of unauthorized documents

Evidence in Forgery Cases

Prosecution typically presents:

• The forged document itself
• Handwriting expert testimony
• Witness testimony about document creation or use
• Surveillance footage
• Financial records showing benefit obtained

Professional Consequences

Security Clearance Impact

Forgery is devastating to clearances:

• Crime of dishonesty directly questions trustworthiness
• Demonstrates willingness to deceive
• Clearance revocation nearly automatic
• Career destruction in technology sector
• Federal positions permanently unavailable

Professional Licensing

Forgery affects all licensed professions:

• Denial of new license applications
• Revocation of existing licenses
• Affects virtually every regulated field
• Healthcare, legal, financial all impacted

Employment Consequences

Long-term employment effects:

• Background check failures
• Disqualification from positions of trust
• Permanent career barriers
• Cannot work in financial services
• Many corporate positions unavailable

Defense Strategies

Lack of Intent to Defraud

Forgery requires specific intent to defraud:

• Document not intended to deceive anyone
• Created for non-fraudulent purpose (art, novelty)
• Obviously fake, not meant to deceive
• No financial or legal gain intended
• Personal use without intent to use fraudulently
• Satirical or protest purposes

Authorization

You had permission to sign or create:

• Valid power of attorney existed
• Employment authority to sign on behalf of others
• Explicit consent from document owner
• Acting within scope of agency relationship
• Authorized signatory on accounts

Lack of Knowledge (Possession)

For possession charges, challenge knowledge element:

• Didn’t know document was forged
• Believed document was genuine
• Received document in good faith
• No reason to suspect forgery
• Expert needed to detect forgery

Document Doesn’t Qualify

Challenge whether document is covered:

• Document has no legal significance
• Not type of instrument covered by statute
• Obviously not authentic (novelty item)
• Document was never completed

Handwriting Evidence Issues

Challenge forensic evidence:

• Handwriting analysis unreliable
• Expert qualifications questionable
• Inconclusive results
• Alternative explanations for similarity

Chandler Courts

Southeast Regional Superior Court

Location: 222 E. Javelina Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210

Handles all forgery cases from Chandler. Because forgery is always a felony in Arizona, there are no misdemeanor forgery cases handled in Chandler Municipal Court.

Long-Term Consequences

Criminal Record Impact

Forgery creates permanent felony record:

• Background checks reveal conviction
• Employment barriers across industries
• Housing application complications
• Loan and credit difficulties
• Professional reputation damaged

“Crime of Dishonesty” Status

Forgery permanently affects credibility:

• Can be used to impeach testimony in any court proceeding
• Affects credibility in all future legal matters
• Professional reputation permanently damaged
• Trust-based relationships complicated

Collateral Consequences

Beyond direct penalties:

• Voting rights lost during incarceration
• Jury service prohibited
• Firearm rights may be affected
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens
• Federal benefits may be affected

Frequently Asked Questions

Is forgery always a felony?

Yes. Forgery is always a Class 4 Felony in Arizona regardless of type of document or value.

Is using a fake ID forgery?

Yes. Using, possessing, or presenting a fake ID is forgery—a Class 4 Felony.

What if I signed with permission?

Authorized signing is not forgery—a complete defense.

Can I be charged for just possessing a forged document?

Yes. Merely possessing with intent to defraud is forgery.

How does forgery affect professional licenses?

Severely. Forgery typically results in denial of new license applications or revocation of existing licenses. As a crime of dishonesty, it affects virtually every regulated profession.

Will forgery affect my security clearance?

Almost certainly. Forgery as crime of dishonesty is devastating to security clearances and virtually guarantees revocation for existing clearances or denial of new applications.

Contact a Chandler Forgery Defense Attorney

Forgery carries felony penalties and permanent consequences as a “crime of dishonesty.” A conviction affects employment, professional licensing, and security clearances for life. Aggressive defense can protect your future—contact an experienced attorney immediately.

Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients facing forgery throughout Chandler.

Scottsdale Office:
6991 East Camelback Rd, Suite D-300
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Phoenix Office:
2601 N 3rd Street, Suite 301
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Call (480) 386-1824 for a free consultation.