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

The Defense You Need When Stakes Are High.

CALL US NOW

• 480-386-1824

Schedule A Consultation

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.

Many people treat shoplifting as a minor matter, and in Arizona, it often isn’t. The charge escalates on dollar value, and several circumstances convert it into a felony regardless of

Shoplifting Charges in Scottsdale: Where the Felony Threshold Falls

Old Town Scottsdale packs a large number of bars and clubs into a small area, and on weekend nights, police presence reflects that. When a fight breaks out, officers arrive

Charged With Assault After a Night in Old Town Scottsdale: What You Are Facing

People searching for expungement in Arizona are usually looking for something the state did not historically offer. Arizona has never had traditional expungement in the sense of destroying a criminal

Set Aside vs. Sealing in Arizona: What Actually Clears Your Record

The paperwork you were handed after a Scottsdale DUI arrest has a court date on it, and almost nobody knows what happens when they walk in. The short answer is

What Happens at a Scottsdale DUI Arraignment: Your First Court Date Explained

Arizona has some of the toughest drunk-driving laws in the country, and most people do not realize how quickly a single night out can turn into mandatory jail time. A

Extreme and Super Extreme DUI in Arizona: What Scottsdale and Phoenix Drivers Are Really Facing

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

A Local’s Guide to Staying Out of Trouble in Old Town Scottsdale

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

Violating an Order of Protection in Arizona: Felony Charges and Defenses

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

Mandatory Arrest Policies: Why Phoenix Police Must Make an Arrest in DV Calls

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 84-Month Rule: How Prior DV Convictions Affect New Charges in Arizona

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

False Domestic Violence Accusations: How to Defend Yourself in Arizona

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