Forgery is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person is accused of falsely creating or completing something with the intent to defraud. A man recently pled to Forgery after he admitted to casting a fraudulent balance. According to the report, the man filled out and sent in his wife’s ballot for the 2020 election. His wife had been missing when the ballot was sent in. When questioned, the man said that he assumed she would have voted for who he chose. Through a plea agreement, the man pled guilty to Forgery and the remaining charges (including Attempt to Influence a Public Servant) was dropped.
Larimer County Forgery Lawyer: Definition of Forgery / Fraudulent Ballot in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Forgery – C.R.S. 18-5-102 – is:
(a) Part of an issue of money, stamps, securities, or other valuable instruments issued by a government or government agency; or
(b) Part of an issue of stock, bonds, or other instruments representing interests in or claims against a corporate or other organization or its property; or
(c) A deed, will, codicil, contract, assignment, commercial instrument, promissory note, check, or other instrument which does or may evidence, create, transfer, terminate, or otherwise affect a legal right, interest, obligation, or status; or
(d) A public record or an instrument filed or required by law to be filed or legally fileable in or with a public office or public servant; or
(e) A written instrument officially issued or created by a public office, public servant, or government agency; or
(f) Part of an issue of tokens, transfers, certificates, or other articles manufactured and designed for use in transportation fees upon public conveyances, or as symbols of value usable in place of money for the purchase of property or services available to the public for compensation; or
(g) Part of an issue of lottery tickets or shares designed for use in the lottery held pursuant to article 40 of title 44; or
(h) A document-making implement that may be used or is used in the production of a false identification document or in the production of another document-making implement to produce false identification documents.
In the case above, it’s likely the man was charged under subsection (e) for filling out and signing his wife’s ballot, which is a government issued document.
Sentence for Forgery in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park, Forgery is a class 5 felony. This level felony is punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $100,000 in fines.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Forgery, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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