Legal Question in Federal Tort Claims in California
check forgery/fraud
a friend forged names on checks that werent hers of $400,$125,$220, and she might still have more checks what would the penalty for that be and can she stay out of jail?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: check forgery/fraud
Penalty? Jail, fines, restitution, etc.
Can she 'stay out'? Maybe, if she has good counsel he might be able to negotiate a plea bargain with minimal jail time, if she doesn't have priors or problems. If charges haven't yet been filed, her attorney could try to negotiate a civil compromise with whoever she took the money from. That should keep charges from being filed; OR, dropped if they already have been.
Feel free to contact me if she wants to hire counsel to try to keep her out of jail.
Re: check forgery/fraud
It Depends. Sometimes the best course of action is to offer to reimburse the bank or other defrauded party before any charges are filed. An attorney can help you do this. If charges have been filed, an experienced attorney can help avoid the possibility of jail time. Usually any amount $400 or over is considered a felony and any felony carries the possibility of state or federal prison time. Please feel free to have Your Friend contact me directly for more information and a free consultation.