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

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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

Prior Felony Enhancement

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

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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