Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Re: General question

Forgery is a felony. As a result, a person has the right to have their case review by a grand jury. A grand jury indicts a person when they feel that they is probable cause that a person has committed the crime. So the indictment for forgery just means that they think the person committed the forgery. However, that does not mean that the person is guilty. An arrest warrant will be issued for the person unless the person has already posted bond for the charge. If they can't afford the bond, then they will be put in jail.

Sincerely,

Michael Palmer

Re: General question

When a person has been indicted for forgery, it means that they have been formally charged with that crime. The indictment will be filed in District Court where the person will stand trial unless the case is disposed of in some other way. There will also likely be a warrant issued for the person's arrest. If the person has not hired a lawyer, they should do so immediately. This is a serious case, and depending upon the type of forgery alleged, the person could be facing up to 2 years in state jail, or up to 10 years in prison.

Re: General question

I would add one comment. The person should not talk to police or anyone else about this matter without first speaking to a lawyer. If arrested, or even just questioned, the person should immediately say "I want a lawyer" (those exact words), and then all questioning must stop. Remember, talking with law enforcement can only hurt, it can never help. They are trained to use psychological tricks to trip people up and make them confess or make incriminating statements. REPEAT: DO NOT answer ANY questions, and ask for a lawyer.