Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Money Order Fraud

I unknowing they were fake, cashed three travelers checks at my local walmart. i thought they were real i checked them out as much as i could!! They were counterfiet, and now the police gave me a chance to pay it back, but it totals 1500, and i dont have that kind of money!! i live in pennsylvania, am a first time ever offender :( my question is, i know i have to pay it back, but what are my chances i will go to jail on my first offense?... ever... i am so scared. i did not have any criminal intent when i did this. i would explain more, but i will run out of room! please help! I just spent 3 hours online trying to find the answer...


Asked on 1/10/08, 2:18 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Brian Zeiger Levin & Zeiger LLP

Re: Money Order Fraud

The seminal case in Pennsylvania in regard to forgery is cited at Commonwealth v. Gibson, 272 Pa. Super. 45. Gibson states that you must KNOW that the instrument is fake when you give to the person who gives you the money in order to be convicted of forgery. You may still be convicted of Bad Checks, but that is a misdemeanor not a felony. Also, you may be convicted of other misdemeanor crimes. Further, many counties offer ARD for forgery and bad checks if you have never been arrested before (see previous posts of ARD).

You may be able to pay it back and avoid prosecution, but the cops may be lying to you and may arrest you anyway.

In any event, whether a person goes to jail in Pennsylvania depends on their prior record score and the seriousness of the current offense. Most of the time people don't go to jail for forgery, but if you have a prior conviction for a felony, you may. Anything is possible in regard to sentencing.

Feel free to email or call. [email protected] 215.825.5183.

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Answered on 1/10/08, 6:18 pm
Mark Johns Mark Johns, Esquire

Re: Money Order Fraud

The police are offering you a way to end this without charges. You need to get the money and pay it back. A lawyer can ensure that you make no incriminating statements. I offer free initial consultations.

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Answered on 1/10/08, 4:10 am
Mark Johns Mark Johns, Esquire

Re: Money Order Fraud

The police are offering you a way to end this without charges. You need to get the money and pay it back. A lawyer can ensure that you make no incriminating statements. I offer free initial consultations.

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Answered on 1/10/08, 4:10 am


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