Forgery is an offence which often crops up in the news (for example, the recent charging of Sir David Jones with a forgery-related offence or the suspended sentence that a police officer received after forging a statement). However, although the public has an abstract understanding of what forgery entails, there’s a lack of knowledge as to what the offence of forgery actually is and the consequences of being convicted for forgery.
- What is the offence of forgery?
- What are examples of forgery?
- What are the consequences of being convicted for forgery?
- What should I do if I’m accused of forgery?
What is the offence of forgery?
Forgery is an offence under s.1 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 (“the Act”). Under the Act a person is guilty of forgery if he makes a false instrument, with the intention that he or another shall use it to induce somebody to accept it as genuine, and by reason of so accepting it to do or not to do some act to his own or any other person’s prejudice.
What are examples of forgery?
Examples of forgery include:
- The forging of a cheque
- The forging of a passport
- The forging of an antique item
- Forging artwork
- Forging financial statements
What are the consequences of being convicted for forgery?
If you’re convicted for forgery under the Act then the maximum sentence is ten years on indictment; six months or a fine not exceeding the statutory minimum or both summarily. What sentence you’ll receive is a moot point – the court will consider such issues as your role in the forgery, the scale and sophistication of the forgery, the type of items being forged, the damage caused and the income generated. The court will also consider any other mitigating and/or aggravating circumstances in determining an appropriate sentence.
What should I do if I’m accused of forgery?
If you’re accused of forgery then you should take legal advice from a specialist criminal defence lawyer – being accused of forgery is a serious issue and could have serious repercussions upon your private and your personal life.
Criminal Defence Solicitors are criminal law solicitors based in the City of London.
Criminal Defence Solicitors
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