Possession of a forgery device is a standalone felony offense under Arizona law. ARS § 13-2003 makes it illegal to possess tools or devices designed for creating forged documents—even if you never actually commit forgery. This charge often accompanies identity theft, fraud, and forgery investigations, but can also arise from possessing equipment with legitimate uses that prosecutors characterize as forgery tools.
Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients throughout Phoenix facing possession of forgery device charges.
→ For forgery charges, see: Phoenix Forgery Lawyer
→ For fraud charges, see: Phoenix Fraud Lawyer
Possession of Forgery Device (ARS § 13-2003)
Definition
A person commits possession of a forgery device by making, causing to be made, or possessing any plate, die, or other device or apparatus specifically designed or adapted for the making of any written instrument.
Classification and Penalties
Class 6 Felony:
| Sentence (First Offense) | Range |
| Mitigated | 4 months |
| Presumptive | 1 year |
| Aggravated | 2 years |
| Probation | Eligible |
Prior felony convictions increase sentencing ranges.
What Qualifies as a “Forgery Device”
Equipment That May Be Charged
Check-Related:
- Blank check stock
- Check printing software
- MICR (magnetic ink) printers
- Check encoding equipment
Identification Documents:
- ID card printers
- Laminating equipment with templates
- Hologram overlays
- Blank ID card stock
- Software for creating fake IDs
Financial Instruments:
- Credit card embossers
- Magnetic stripe writers
- Card printing equipment
- Blank card stock
Computer Equipment:
- Software designed for creating false documents
- Templates for official documents
- Editing software with forged documents
The “Specifically Designed or Adapted” Requirement
Not all equipment used in forgery qualifies. The law requires the device be:
- Specifically designed for creating forged instruments, OR
- Adapted for that purpose (modified or configured for forgery)
Standard printers, computers, and software may not qualify unless specifically adapted for forgery.
Common Scenarios in Phoenix
Identity Theft Investigations
Possession of forgery device often accompanies identity theft charges when police discover:
- Equipment for creating fake IDs
- Capability to produce fraudulent documents
- Materials for making counterfeit cards
Check Fraud Cases
Investigations into check fraud frequently result in additional charges when:
- Check printing equipment found
- Blank check stock discovered
- Software for generating checks identified
Fake ID Manufacturing
Creating or possessing equipment to make fake identification:
- Student/minor fake IDs
- Identity documents for fraud
- Employment authorization documents
Business Fraud
Commercial fraud investigations revealing:
- Equipment for creating false invoices
- Counterfeit business documents
- Fraudulent certificates or licenses
Defense Strategies
Equipment Not “Specifically Designed” for Forgery
Standard equipment with legitimate uses doesn’t qualify:
- Regular printers and computers
- Generic laminating equipment
- Standard software
- Materials with lawful business purpose
No Knowledge of Device’s Purpose
You didn’t know the equipment was designed for or adapted to forgery:
- Purchased for legitimate purpose
- Inherited or received without knowledge
- Didn’t understand device’s capability
Lawful Purpose
The equipment is possessed for legitimate purposes:
- Legitimate business use
- Authorized document creation
- Lawful printing services
Constitutional Violations
Evidence should be suppressed if:
- Unlawful search discovered the device
- Warrant was defective
- Consent was coerced
- Miranda violations occurred
Constructive Possession Issues
You didn’t actually possess the device:
- Found in shared space
- Others had access
- No connection to you
Related Offenses
Forgery (ARS § 13-2002)
Actually creating, possessing, or using forged documents—Class 4 Felony.
→ See: Phoenix Forgery Lawyer
Fraud (ARS § 13-2310)
Fraudulent schemes and artifices—Class 2 Felony.
→ See: Phoenix Fraud Lawyer
Identity Theft (ARS § 13-2008)
Using another person’s identifying information—Class 4 Felony (1-4 victims) or Class 3 Felony (5+ victims).
Criminal Simulation (ARS § 13-2004)
Making objects appear to have value they don’t—Class 6 Felony.
Old Town Scottsdale is one of Arizona’s busiest nightlife destinations, attracting tourists, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and weekend visitors year-round. While the area is known for bars, clubs, restaurants, and
What Constitutes a Violation of an Order of Protection An Order of Protection (OOP) is a court order issued under ARS § 13-3602 that restricts the respondent’s contact with the
How Mandatory Arrest Works in Arizona When someone calls 911 to report a domestic dispute in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, or anywhere in Arizona, the responding officers are
What the 84-Month Rule Means for You Arizona’s criminal justice system takes domestic violence seriously — and the penalties escalate dramatically with each offense. Under ARS § 13-3601.02, if you
The Reality of False DV Allegations in Arizona Being falsely accused of domestic violence is one of the most disorienting experiences a person can face. In Arizona, the consequences are
Why Out-of-State Arrests in Scottsdale Are Common Scottsdale is a destination city. Its Entertainment District along North Scottsdale Road and Old Town draws tourists, business travelers, bachelor and bachelorette parties,
How a Night Out Becomes a Trespassing Case You are at a bar in Old Town Scottsdale. Maybe you had too much to drink. Maybe you got into an argument.
The Friday and Saturday Night Arrest Pattern Scottsdale’s Entertainment District is one of the busiest nightlife areas in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Venues along North Scottsdale Road, East Camelback Road,
When a Night Out Leads to Criminal Damage Charges A thrown glass. A punched wall. A kicked-in restroom door. A keyed car in the parking lot. These incidents happen regularly
How a Misdemeanor Bar Fight Becomes a Felony A shove at a bar in Old Town Scottsdale. A punch outside a nightclub on the Entertainment District strip along North Scottsdale
Collateral Consequences
Crime of Dishonesty
Like forgery and fraud, possession of forgery device is a crime involving dishonesty:
- Severe employment consequences
- Professional license impact
- Background check disqualification
- Trust-related position bars
Felony Record
Creates permanent felony record with:
- Voting rights loss (until restored)
- Firearm rights loss
- Enhanced penalties for future offenses
- Immigration consequences
Frequently Asked Questions
Is possession of a forgery device always a felony?
Yes. ARS § 13-2003 makes possession of a forgery device a Class 6 Felony. There is no misdemeanor version of this offense.
Can I be charged if I never actually made a forged document?
Yes. Possession of the device itself is the crime—you don’t have to actually commit forgery to be charged with possession of a forgery device.
What if I had the equipment for legitimate purposes?
Legitimate use is a defense. If the equipment was possessed for lawful business purposes and wasn’t “specifically designed or adapted” for forgery, this can challenge the charges.
Does owning a printer make me guilty?
No. Standard printers and computers aren’t “specifically designed” for forgery. The law targets equipment designed or adapted specifically for creating forged instruments.
What if the device was found in my car but wasn't mine?
Constructive possession requires knowledge and control. If you didn’t know about the device or it belonged to someone else, this may be a defense.
Will this affect my ability to get a job?
Yes. As a felony and crime of dishonesty, a conviction severely impacts employment opportunities, especially for positions involving documents, trust, or financial responsibility.
Contact a Phoenix Forgery Device Defense Attorney
Possession of a forgery device is a felony that creates a permanent “crime of dishonesty” record. Whether the charge accompanies other offenses or stands alone, an experienced attorney can evaluate defenses, challenge the evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Attorney Josh Lopez defends possession of forgery device charges throughout Phoenix and Maricopa County.
Phoenix Office:
2601 N 3rd Street, Suite 301
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Scottsdale Office:
6991 East Camelback Rd, Suite D-300
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Call (480) 386-1824 or complete the contact form to schedule your free consultation.
