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      (510) 403-8809
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    Forgery

    What happens if you sign another person’s signature without having an authority to do so?

    If you are in California, you can face criminal charges for forging someone else’s signatures or even handwriting. Forgery is declared as a crime under California’s Penal Code’s statute 470. If you are found to be counterfeiting signature or handwriting or seal of another person or an organization without any legal authority or explanation, you can face criminal charges resulting in both monetary fines and jail time. What you need at such a difficult time is the guidance and assistance of a veteran criminal defense attorney in California. David S. Chesley’s law office is the known and reputable law firm providing affordable legal defense services to the clients across California. Demonstrating a command over criminal laws and an understanding of the courtroom procedures, we have a 5-star Avvo rating and have helped hundreds of clients stuck in difficult circumstances.

    Coming to the act of forgery, the article PC 470 defines it as counterfeiting signature of another person or a fictitious person without having the authority and with an intention to defraud is punishable under the law for committing the crime of forgery. It also includes handwriting of another person, the seal of a company, and bank notes. Forgery is a serious crime, and the prosecutor must establish that i) the defendant copied or forged sign, seal or handwriting of another person. ii) the defendant had no authority to do so. Iii) the defendant did so with an intention to defraud. If any of the elements are found missing, the defendant cannot be convicted of forgery.

    For example, a person signs his wife’s property’ transfer letter while she was away and holds a letter of authority to do so, this person cannot be charged with forgery. On the other hand, a person signs a contract for carrying out illegal tasks with his partner’s name without partner having any knowledge about it; the person can be punished with forgery under PC 470.

    In the cases of forgery, our focus in on finding out relevant details that can help us get the most favorable outcomes for our clients. From pursuing defenses such as mistaken identity, challenging the accusation of intent to defraud, contesting false charges, to establishing the person’s authority to sign the document, we are capable of managing your case with the best defense approach.

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    Grand Theft

    The Penal Code in California defines the severity of an offense and punishments by the value of the object or property stolen, and in the manner, it is stolen from the owner of the property.

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    Robbery

    California’s penal code 211 defines robbery as the act of felonious taking of property or something of value from the possession of another person by force or fear.

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    Petty Theft

    The penal code 484 in California’s law defines petty theft as stealing, taking, carrying, or embezzling property or money of another person that is capped at $950.

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    Burglary

    California’s Health & Safety Code has many sections that deal with the various offenses related to Marijuana.

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    Fraud

    In California, Fraud or Larceny is a criminal act resulting in criminal charges against the person committing the offense.

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    Identity Theft

    The number of cases of identity theft in California is increasing day by day, and it has become a prevalent crime in this age of Information Technology.

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    Recent Results

    • Multiple defendants each facing 7 years charged with smuggling prescription drugs into California from Mexico our client was the only defendant who received NO JAIL TIME!

    • Client facing 5 years for possession of deadly weapon we negotiated a plea for NO JAIL TIME!

    • Client facing 3 life terms for multiple felony counts of Child Molestation and Sodomy with child we proved the charges were fabricated by victims mother DISMISSAL of all charges at preliminary hearing!

    • Strike case: Client charged with possession of methamphetamine facing 25 years we filed a Romero Motion which was granted case REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR!

    • Client’s estranged girlfriend alleged Client broke into her room and choked her facing 14 years in State Prison we won at trial JURY ACQUITTAL.

    • Police allegedly discovered 3 bags of marijuana in client’s glove box faced 6 years we filed a 1538.5 motion to suppress resulting in DISMISSAL of all charges!

    • Client allegedly sold rock cocaine to undercover officer faced 10 years following our argument client received NO JAIL TIME!

    • Client facing 15 years for Armed Robbery we proved misidentification Judge DISMISSED the case!

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