Los Angeles Forging Deeds Lawyers

Fighting Your Forging Deeds Charges in Los Angeles

Forging deeds entails the fraudulent creation or alteration of legal documents related to property ownership, often to deceive and unlawfully transfer ownership rights. Innocent individuals may unwittingly find themselves accused of deed forgery by signing falsified documents presented by unscrupulous parties or becoming involved in fraudulent schemes without full awareness of the illegal nature of their actions. Individuals facing such charges should explore possible defense strategies with a qualified Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we offer skilled and reliable legal representation backed by a wealth of experience. With Mark Werksman’s federal defense work, Alan Jackson’s prosecutorial experience, and Kelly Quinn’s specialized knowledge in writs and appeals, our Los Angeles firm is fully prepared to tackle your case. Having successfully served Los Angeles since 1994, we’ve developed a history of handling high-profile cases and have been recognized by numerous major publications, including CNN, the Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News.

If you’re facing forging deeds charges, we’re here to advise you on the best course of action. Contact us at (213) 688-0460 today for a free consultation.

The Law Prohibiting Deed Forging

California Penal Code § 115 states that “every person who knowingly procures or offers any false or forged instrument to be filed, registered, or recorded in any public office within this state, which instrument, if genuine, might be filed, registered, or recorded under any law of this state or of the United States, is guilty of a felony.”

In practical terms, this means that anyone knowingly involved in submitting or offering false or forged documents for filing, registration, or recording in a public office within California can be charged with a felony offense.

Understanding the Penalties for Deed Forgery

If found guilty of deed forgery, individuals may face significant penalties under California law. These penalties can include:

• Imprisonment: Conviction for deed forgery can result in a substantial term of imprisonment. The length of the sentence may vary depending on factors such as the severity of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and any aggravating circumstances involved.
• Fines: In addition to imprisonment, individuals convicted of deed forgery may be subject to substantial fines. These fines can amount to thousands of dollars, imposing a significant financial burden on the defendant.
• Restitution: Courts may also order individuals convicted of deed forgery to pay restitution to any victims who suffered financial losses as a result of the forged documents. This restitution is intended to compensate the victims for any damages incurred due to the fraudulent acts.

Mitigating and Aggravating Factors

Mitigating factors or aggravating circumstances can impact the severity of the penalties imposed for deed forgery. Factors that may mitigate the penalties include:

• Lack of prior criminal history: Defendants with no prior criminal record may receive more lenient sentences compared to those with a history of criminal behavior.
• Cooperation with authorities: Defendants who cooperate with law enforcement during the investigation or prosecution of the offense may receive more favorable treatment from the court.
• Remorse and rehabilitation efforts: Demonstrating genuine remorse for the offense and taking proactive steps toward rehabilitation may mitigate the severity of the penalties imposed by the court.

On the other hand, aggravating circumstances can increase the severity of the penalties for deed forgery. Aggravating factors may include:

• Prior criminal history: Individuals with prior criminal convictions may receive harsher sentences for deed forgery.
• Financial losses to victims: If the forged documents resulted in substantial economic losses to victims, the court may impose more severe penalties on the defendant.
• Use of fraudulent documents for illegal purposes: If the forged documents were used for illegal purposes or to perpetrate further fraudulent activities, the court may consider this as an aggravating factor warranting harsher penalties.

It is essential to consult with an experienced Los Angeles white collar crime attorney if facing allegations of deed forgery to understand the potential penalties and develop a robust defense strategy tailored to the case’s specific circumstances.

Defense Strategies for Charges of Forging Deeds

When facing allegations of deed forgery, several common defense strategies could be employed to challenge the charges, including:

• Lack of knowledge: The defense may assert that the defendant was unaware that the document in question was false or forged. This defense strategy can be effective if the defendant genuinely believed the document to be genuine and had no reason to suspect its fraudulent nature. For example, if the defendant relied on representations made by another party regarding the authenticity of the document, they may argue that they lacked the requisite knowledge to commit the offense.
• Mistaken identity: In cases where multiple parties may have had access to the forged documents or where the identity of the perpetrator is unclear, asserting mistaken identity as a defense can be effective. This defense strategy aims to raise doubt about the defendant’s involvement in the alleged forgery.
• Duress or coercion: If the defendant was coerced or threatened into participating in the forgery by another party, asserting duress or coercion as a defense may be viable. Providing evidence of external pressure or threats can support this defense strategy.
• Lack of evidence: Challenging the sufficiency of the evidence presented by the prosecution is another common defense strategy. If the prosecution fails to provide compelling evidence linking the defendant to the alleged forgery, the charges may be dismissed or reduced.

You Deserve a Dedicated Los Angeles Defense Attorney

If you’ve been confronted with deed forgery allegations in Los Angeles, now is not the time to take chances with your future—contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP. When challenging the prosecution’s case, you can count on us to leave no stone unturned.

Our LA forgery defense lawyers understand the complexities of such cases and are committed to providing aggressive representation with a solid defense that’s custom-tailored to your unique situation.

Let us help safeguard your future—call (213) 688-0460 today.