Forgery and Identity Theft
DEDICATED SOUTH DAKOTA ATTORNEYS DEFEND AGAINST FORGERY AND IDENTITY THEFT CHARGES
Allegations of forgery or identity theft can have serious consequences, from significant fines to lengthy prison sentences. At Griese Law Firm, P.C., we know that a conviction for these charges can impact your reputation, your finances, and your future. Our experienced defense attorneys are committed to challenging every aspect of the prosecution’s case, using a strategic approach to defend your rights. Here’s how we build your defense:
The Intent — To prove forgery or identity theft, the prosecution must show intent to defraud. We thoroughly examine the evidence to challenge any assumption that you intended to deceive or commit fraud.
The Evidence — We scrutinize all documentation and digital records used against you, ensuring they were lawfully obtained, properly handled, and accurately interpreted. We look for any gaps or inconsistencies that could weaken the case.
Witness Reliability — We investigate the credibility of any witnesses, including their motives, background, and any inconsistencies in their statements, to identify weaknesses in their testimony.
Procedural Errors — Law enforcement must follow strict procedures when investigating allegations of forgery or identity theft. We carefully review the investigative process to identify any violations of your rights, which could result in evidence being excluded.
Expert Analysis — We work with forensic experts in handwriting, digital forensics, and financial transactions to challenge the validity of evidence and strengthen your defense.
By challenging these elements, our committed attorneys aim to reduce or dismiss charges, protecting your rights and your future.
Key Differences? It’s All About Fraud and Deception!
Forgery and identity theft are both serious crimes that involve deception, but they differ in how that deception is carried out and who the intended victims are.
Forgery typically involves the falsification of documents, signatures, or other items of value with the intent to deceive or defraud someone. This could include signing someone else’s name on a check, altering a legal document, or creating a fake ID. The key element in forgery is the act of creating or altering something with the intent to deceive or defraud another party.
Identity Theft, on the other hand, is when someone steals another person's personal information—like their Social Security number, credit card details, or bank account information—with the intent to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft is often more extensive, as it can involve using someone’s entire identity to access financial accounts, open credit lines, or make unauthorized purchases.
What’s the Big Difference?
Forgery usually targets a specific document or signature to commit a fraudulent act, while identity theft involves using another person’s identity for broader fraudulent purposes. Both crimes carry severe penalties, but identity theft can have more far-reaching consequences as it often involves multiple fraudulent activities over time.