Scottsdale Forgery Lawyer

Forgery charges involve 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 in Arizona. Because forgery is classified as a “crime of dishonesty,” a conviction creates lasting consequences for employment, professional licensing, and immigration status far beyond any prison sentence.

Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients throughout Scottsdale facing forgery allegations, from check forgery to document alteration to possession of forged instruments.

→ For comprehensive Arizona forgery law information, see: Phoenix Forgery Lawyer

Forgery Under Arizona Law (ARS § 13-2002)

A person commits forgery if, with intent to defraud, they:

1. Falsely make, complete, or alter a written instrument
2. Knowingly possess a forged instrument
3. Offer or present a forged instrument (use it)

Classification and Penalties

Forgery is a Class 4 Felony:

Prior felonies significantly increase sentencing ranges.

Written Instruments Covered

Arizona’s forgery statute covers a broad range of documents:

• Financial instruments: Checks, money orders, promissory notes
• Identification: Driver’s licenses, passports, ID cards
• Legal documents: Contracts, deeds, powers of attorney
• Government documents: Permits, licenses, certificates
• Commercial documents: Receipts, invoices, purchase orders
• Prescriptions: Medical prescriptions for controlled substances

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Common Forgery Scenarios in Scottsdale

Check Forgery

The most common forgery cases involve:

• Signing someone else’s name on checks
• Altering amounts on checks
• Creating counterfeit checks
• Cashing checks made out to others

Identity Document Forgery

Creating or using fake identification:

• Fake driver’s licenses (often underage individuals)
• Altered identification cards
• Fraudulent government documents

Business Document Forgery

Scottsdale’s business community generates forgery allegations involving:

• Contracts with forged signatures
• Altered business agreements
• Fraudulent invoices or receipts

Real Estate Document Forgery

Scottsdale’s active real estate market creates allegations involving:

• Forged signatures on deeds
• Altered closing documents
• Fraudulent notarizations

Prescription Forgery

Creating, altering, or using fake prescriptions to obtain controlled substances—often charged alongside drug offenses.

Related Offenses

Possession of Forgery Device (ARS § 13-2003)

Possessing tools designed for forgery (check-printing equipment, ID-making materials) is a Class 6 Felony.

→ See: Phoenix Possession of Forgery Device Lawyer

Criminal Simulation (ARS § 13-2004)

Making objects appear to have value they don’t possess (fake art, counterfeit items) is a Class 6 Felony.

Fraudulent Schemes (ARS § 13-2310)

When forgery is part of a larger fraud scheme, both charges may apply.

→ See: Scottsdale Fraud Lawyer

Defense Strategies

Lack of Intent to Defraud

Forgery requires intent to defraud:

• The document wasn’t intended to deceive
• Created for personal/non-fraudulent purpose
• Obviously fake, not meant to deceive

Authorization

If you had permission to sign on someone’s behalf:

• Power of attorney
• Employment authority
• Explicit consent

Authorized signing is not forgery.

Lack of Knowledge

For possession charges:

• You didn’t know the document was forged
• Believed it was authentic
• Had no reason to suspect forgery

Document Doesn’t Qualify

Not all documents are “written instruments” under Arizona law.

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Collateral Consequences

Crime of Dishonesty

Forgery severely impacts:

• Employment: Disqualification from positions involving documents, trust, or financial responsibility
• Professional licensing: Denial or revocation in most regulated professions
• Immigration: Deportation, inadmissibility, denial of naturalization

Felony Record

Forgery conviction results in:

• Loss of voting rights (until restored)
• Loss of firearm rights
• Enhanced penalties for future offenses

Frequently Asked Questions