WHAT IS FORGERY UNDER FLORIDA LAW

Forgery is an offense associated with the actual altering of an instrument. It is separate and distinct from the offense of “uttering” or passing the instrument. Forgery is prohibited under FSS 831.01

831.01 Forgery.

Whoever falsely makes, alters, forges or counterfeits a public record, or a certificate, return or attestation of any clerk or register of a court, public register, notary public, town clerk or any public officer, in relation to a matter wherein such certificate, return or attestation may be received as a legal proof; or a charter, deed, will, testament, bond, or writing obligatory, letter of attorney, policy of insurance, bill of lading, bill of exchange or promissory note, or an order, acquittance, or discharge for money or other property, or an acceptance of a bill of exchange or promissory note for the payment of money, or any receipt for money, goods or other property, or any passage ticket, pass or other evidence of transportation issued by a common carrier, with intent to injure or defraud any person, shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

UTTERING A FORGERY

It is a felony to pass or “utter” a forged instrument, regardless of who forged it. The applicable statute is FSS 831.02

831.02 Uttering forged instruments.

Whoever utters and publishes as true a false, forged or altered record, deed, instrument or other writing mentioned in s. 831.01 knowing the same to be false, altered, forged or counterfeited, with intent to injure or defraud any person, shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

Strong defense for forgery charges in Orlando

Less serious than some of the above offenses, you may still be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison for forgery. If arrested or investigated for this offense, NEVER speak to the police until you have spoken to us. Call one of our two locations at 407 743 8430 or 407-250-9557, for a prompt and free consultationwith an experienced Central Florida criminal defense attorney at The Defense Group. We are available 24 hours a day for your emergency needs, and appointments can be arranged for nights or weekends if necessary.