Mesa 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. Because forgery is classified as a “crime of dishonesty,” a conviction creates lasting consequences for employment, professional licensing, and immigration status that often far exceed the impact of the criminal sentence itself.
Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients throughout Mesa facing forgery charges.
→ For comprehensive Arizona forgery law information, see: Arizona Forgery Laws
Forgery Under Arizona Law (ARS § 13-2002)
A person commits forgery if, with intent to defraud, the person engages 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 on legal documents
- Creating fake diplomas or certificates
2. Knowingly Possesses a Forged Instrument
Having custody or control of a document you know is forged, even if you didn’t create it yourself.
Examples:
- Possessing counterfeit checks obtained from others
- Holding fake identification documents
- Having forged contracts in your possession
- Possessing counterfeit currency
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 a forged check
- Presenting fake identification to purchase alcohol, enter venues, or verify identity
- Submitting forged contracts, applications, or credentials
- Using forged prescriptions
Documents Covered by the Forgery Statute
Arizona’s forgery statute covers any “written instrument” including:
Financial Instruments
- Personal and business checks
- Money orders and cashier’s checks
- Promissory notes
- Securities, stocks, and bonds
- Loan applications and documents
- Credit applications
Identification Documents
- Driver’s licenses
- State identification cards
- Passports and visas
- Social Security cards
- Birth certificates
- Employee identification cards
Legal Documents
- Contracts and agreements
- Real estate deeds and titles
- Powers of attorney
- Court orders and documents
- Wills, trusts, and estate documents
- Notarized documents
Government Documents
- Permits and licenses
- Government certificates
- Official correspondence
- Tax documents
Commercial Documents
- Invoices and receipts
- Purchase orders
- Shipping and receiving documents
- Insurance documents
Medical and Professional Documents
- Prescriptions
- Medical records
- Professional licenses and certifications
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
Classification and Penalties
Class 4 Felony — Always
| Sentence (First Offense) | Prison Range |
| Mitigated | 1.5 years |
| Presumptive | 2.5 years |
| Aggravated | 3.75 years |
| Probation | Eligible for first offense |
Prior Felony Enhancement
| Prior Felonies | Sentence Range |
| 1 prior | 2.25 – 7.5 years |
| 2+ priors | 6 – 15 years |
Related Forgery Offenses
Possession of Forgery Device (ARS § 13-2003)
Making or possessing devices specifically designed for creating forged documents.
Examples:
- Check printing equipment and software
- ID card manufacturing equipment
- Counterfeit stamps, seals, or embossers
- Credit card encoding equipment
- Printing plates for currency
Classification: Class 6 Felony (4 months – 2 years)
Criminal Simulation (ARS § 13-2004)
Making or altering objects to appear to have value, authorship, or authenticity they don’t possess.
Examples:
- Counterfeit antiques
- Fake artwork or collectibles
- Deceptive memorabilia
Classification: Class 6 Felony
Obtaining Signature by Deception (ARS § 13-2005)
Tricking someone into signing a document through deception about its contents or legal effect.
Classification: Class 4 Felony
Common Forgery Scenarios in Mesa
Check Forgery
The most frequently prosecuted forgery offense:
- Signing someone else’s name on their checks
- Creating counterfeit checks using real account information
- Altering the payee or amount on legitimate checks
- Cashing checks made payable to others by forging endorsements
Identity Document Forgery
Creating or using fake identification:
- Fake driver’s licenses (common among minors attempting to purchase alcohol)
- Fraudulent employment eligibility documents
- Counterfeit government identification
- Altered identification to change age or identity
Contract and Business Document Forgery
Falsifying business documents:
- Forging signatures on contracts or agreements
- Altering contract terms after signature
- Creating fake purchase orders or invoices
- Falsifying employment records
Prescription Forgery
Creating or altering prescriptions for medications:
- Creating fake prescriptions for controlled substances
- Altering quantities on legitimate prescriptions
- Using stolen or copied prescription pads
- “Doctor shopping” with forged authorizations
Real Estate Document Forgery
Falsifying property-related documents:
- Forged signatures on deeds or title transfers
- Fake notarizations on real estate documents
- Fraudulent lien releases
- Falsified mortgage documents
Defense Strategies
Lack of Intent to Defraud
Forgery requires specific intent to defraud—if this element is missing, there’s no crime:
- Document wasn’t created to deceive anyone
- Created for personal, non-fraudulent purpose
- Obviously fake document not meant to deceive (parody, art)
- No financial or legal gain intended
Authorization
You had permission to sign or create the document:
- Valid power of attorney authorizing signature
- Employment authority to sign on behalf of company
- Explicit consent from document owner
- Acting within scope of agency relationship
Lack of Knowledge (For Possession Charges)
For charges based on possessing a forged document:
- Didn’t know document was forged
- Believed document was genuine
- No reason to suspect forgery
- Received document in good faith from trusted source
Document Doesn’t Qualify
Not all documents are “written instruments” under the statute:
- Document has no legal significance
- Not the type of instrument covered by forgery law
- Document is obviously not authentic
Constitutional Violations
Evidence suppression for:
- Illegal search and seizure (Fourth Amendment)
- Miranda violations during questioning
- Improper interrogation techniques
- Violations of right to counsel
Collateral Consequences
Crime of Dishonesty
Forgery is a “crime involving moral turpitude” with severe long-term consequences:
Employment:
- Disqualification from positions involving documents or records
- Bars from financial responsibility positions
- Automatic background check failures
- Loss of positions involving trust or fiduciary duty
Professional Licensing:
- Denial of new professional licenses
- Revocation of existing licenses
- Affects virtually all regulated professions: legal, financial, accounting, healthcare, real estate, education, insurance
Immigration:
- Deportation (removal) proceedings
- Inadmissibility to United States
- Denial of naturalization
- Visa revocation or denial
Felony Record Consequences
- Loss of voting rights (until civil rights restored)
- Loss of firearm rights (permanent)
- Enhanced penalties for any future felony offenses
- Difficulty obtaining housing, loans, and professional opportunities
Mesa Courts
Southeast Regional Superior Court
Location: 222 E. Javelina Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210
Since forgery is always a felony in Arizona, these cases go directly to Superior Court rather than Mesa Municipal Court. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office prosecutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is forgery always a felony in Arizona?
Yes. Under ARS § 13-2002, forgery is always a Class 4 Felony. There is no misdemeanor forgery in Arizona. This applies regardless of the dollar value involved or the type of document.
What if I signed someone’s name with their permission?
Authorized signing is not forgery. If you had valid permission through power of attorney, employment authority, explicit consent, or agency relationship, this is a complete defense to forgery charges.
Can I be charged with forgery if I never actually used the document?
Yes. Merely possessing a forged document with intent to defraud is forgery under ARS § 13-2002(A)(2). You don’t have to actually present or use the document to be charged.
What is the statute of limitations for forgery?
For felony forgery, the statute of limitations is generally 7 years from when the offense was committed or discovered.
How does forgery affect professional licenses?
Severely. Forgery is a crime of dishonesty that typically results in denial or revocation of professional licenses in virtually all fields requiring trust and integrity.
Can forgery charges be dismissed or reduced?
Yes. If the prosecution cannot prove intent to defraud, if authorization existed, or if constitutional violations occurred, charges may be dismissed. Negotiated resolutions may also be possible in some cases.
Contact a Mesa Forgery Defense Attorney
Forgery charges carry felony penalties and permanent consequences as a “crime of dishonesty.” The long-term impact on your career, professional licensing, and future opportunities often exceeds the criminal sentence itself. Early intervention and experienced defense representation can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients facing forgery allegations throughout Mesa.
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.