New Jersey Forgery Attorneys

Committed Legal Advocates Fighting to Protect Your Rights

In New Jersey, forgery and other related offenses are set forth in N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1 and can be punishable by up to 5 years in state prison. Some people think this is a worst-case scenario, but in reality, the addition of other related offenses can result in significantly longer incarceration terms. People have been charged with forging everything from bad checks to a medical license, but no matter the underlying circumstances, the potential penalties for forgery are always severe. That’s why it’s important to take these allegations seriously and work with a New Jersey forgery lawyer.

At The Bianchi Law Group, each criminal defense attorney on our dedicated legal team has the knowledge, experience, and commitment necessary to fight on your behalf. We know that what you’re going up against can be scary, and the potential of losing your freedom may leave you unsure of how to move forward. Fortunately, everyone is entitled to a proper legal defense. The unfortunate reality is that public defenders are overworked — often with caseloads three times higher than average — so it’s important to choose a private practice law firm that can dedicate themselves to your case.

That’s precisely what you’ll find at The Bianchi Law Group. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Why Work With Former Prosecutors?

The Bianchi Law Group is made up of a team of former trial prosecutors who have handled the investigations and prosecutions of most crimes in New Jersey and will defend you for all federal and state crimes in New Jersey, including Forgery. In a best-case scenario, a person convicted of a forgery charge as a disorderly persons offense can face up to six months in jail — which really doesn’t seem like a best-case scenario at all. However, having a former prosecutor as your legal representation could greatly reduce the potential penalties you’ll face.

That’s because these legal professionals have served on both sides of the aisle. They know the tricks and tools used by the government to secure convictions for a serious crime. They know what juries look for when trying to establish reasonable doubt. And if these former prosecutors have experience in both federal and state court — like the professionals at The Bianchi Law Group — then you’ll have a legal advocate on your side who understands every aspect of the system you’re going through. Put simply, you’ll often have a significant advantage over other individuals charged with forgery.

Whether you’re accused of passing off imitated checks, stealing someone’s identity, or some other method of fraud in New Jersey, former prosecutors have the skill and experience necessary to seek a favorable outcome on your behalf. Even someone arrested with the personal identification of another person and fake checks in their vehicle will not necessarily face a conviction — because there are strict rules in the system regarding criminal prosecutions. Former prosecutors understand these rules all too well, and they can make sure no “funny business” takes place during your case.

Contact our New Jersey forgery lawyers today for your free initial consultation.

Certified Criminal Trial Attorneys by the New Jersey Supreme Court

Partners Robert A. Bianchi and David J. Bruno are also both certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Criminal Trial Attorneys. In New Jersey, the New Jersey Supreme Court has a certification committee that classifies certain New Jersey Lawyers as Certified Trial Attorneys. The process requires the prospective attorneys to satisfy strict criteria, including extensive jury trials, a primary focus on criminal law, an application submission, a peer review process, a character and background check, and passing a written examination.

Only 250 of over 98,000 lawyers (less than 1%) are designated as certified criminal trial attorneys by the New Jersey Supreme Court. This should be an important factor in finding a New Jersey criminal defense attorney to represent you. Many New Jersey Lawyers describe themselves as trial attorneys but most do not have the New Jersey Court’s distinction as Certified Criminal Trial Attorney. This is a significant distinction that can have huge effects on the outcome of forgery cases. From prescription fraud to check fraud, working with a trial attorney certified by the court is the right approach.

At The Bianchi Law Group, we’re ready to help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

What Are the Forgery Penalties Under New Jersey Criminal Code?

The Penalties for Forgery Crimes in New Jersey depend on the circumstances of the offense. Forgery is a crime of the third degree if the writing is or purports to be part of an issue of money, securities, postage or revenue stamps, or other instruments, certificates, or licenses issued by the government, New Jersey Prescription Blanks, or part of an issue of stock, bonds or other instruments representing an interest in or claims against any property or enterprise, personal identifying information or an access device.

Forgery is a crime of the third degree if the writing is or purports to be a check. Forgery is also a crime of the third degree if the writing is or purports to be 15 or more forged or altered retail sales receipts or universal product code labels. 

Otherwise, forgery is a crime of the fourth degree. Crimes in the third-degree range can be punishable from 3 years to 5 years in the New Jersey State Prison. Crimes in the fourth-degree range can be punishable by up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison. The Sentencing Judge may also order fines and restitution as prescribed by 2C:43-3 and for all convictions for Forgery in New Jersey.

Trial Ready New Jersey Criminal Lawyers

Like in all of our cases handled at the Bianchi Law Group, our experienced team of former prosecutors  are there to make sure the Government can prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. If our attorneys cannot resolve the case with a dismissal or a fair and just plea bargain, our lawyers at The Bianchi Law Group will not hesitate to select a jury and take the case to trial. That is what we do and what distinguishes us from other attorneys.

If you’re facing a forgery charge, finding a team of trial lawyers is critical. While most criminal charges are resolved by plea negotiations, this does not always mean such deals result in fair outcomes. For instance, prosecutors often overcharge so they can use reduced charges as a bargaining chip. This means a person who allegedly committed fourth-degree forgery might be charged with a third-degree crime. Clearly, there’s no fair outcome to be had from this position — so working with an attorney with the experience and dedication to take your case to trial is important.

At The Bianchi Law Group, we are former prosecutors, trial-tested, and recognized by the New Jersey Supreme Court as certified criminal trial attorneys. We will not hesitate to go to trial and fight for a fair outcome on your behalf. Our New Jersey forgery lawyers are here when you need us, and we’ll strive to ensure you walk away with no criminal offense on your record or the best possible outcome. At The Bianchi Law Group, we will take care to provide you Serious Attorneys for Serious Cases.

What Defense Strategy Will a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney Use?

When someone is accused of a crime, they often question whether avoiding a conviction is even possible. This is especially true for those who feel they were “caught red-handed,” but the reality is often very different from people’s expectations. It may be surprising to learn this, but there are dozens of legal defenses that can be used against a forgery charge and criminal allegations in general. The following are some of the most common legal defense strategies used by forgery lawyers in New Jersey — which can result in charges being reduced, dropped, or thrown out at trial:

• Lack of intent to defraud
• Lack of knowledge of the forgery (e.g., you believed you had the original document)
• Consent or authorization
• No fraudulent action taken
• Insufficient evidence
• Mistaken identity
• Coercion or duress
• Entrapment
• Mistake of fact
• Expiration of statute of limitations
• Constitutional violations
• Procedural errors
• Improper evidence handling

The unfortunate reality is that it won’t always be possible to secure a fair pre-trial outcome. There are times when prosecutors want to make an example out of a defendant, and in some cases, they may truly believe they’re doing the right thing. Regardless of their motivation, the most important thing for you to keep in mind is that you’re entitled to a legal defense. At The Bianchi Law Group, our New Jersey forgery attorneys will fight to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf. Let us review your case and help you understand all your options.

We’re on standby and ready to assist. Contact us today.

Contact Our New Jersey Forgery Lawyers Today

New Jersey fraud lawyers frequently work with individuals accused of forgery. It’s a common crime that could include additional charges related to identity theft, ownership of forgery devices, and other potential allegations. In a best-case scenario, an individual will only be charged with a disorderly persons offense — but even a conviction under these forgery laws can result in lengthy incarceration terms. Even worse, prosecutors will often not hesitate to charge minor infractions as indictable crimes in order to scare you into accepting an unfair plea deal.

At The Bianchi Law Group, we’re here to make sure you’re not railroaded by the system. If you’re facing a forgery charge of any kind, we will review your case and help decide the ideal path forward. In these situations, it’s important to remember that every case is different. For instance, two very similar forgery cases could have very different outcomes if one defendant has a criminal record and the other does not. Other nuances and variations in circumstances can also raise complex questions of how to best move forward. Fortunately, this isn’t something you have to do alone.

The New Jersey forgery lawyers at The Bianchi Law Group are here to help. Contact us at (862) 292-4442 to schedule your free consultation today.