Forgery Lawyer In Toronto

It’s not uncommon to find yourself in a tight situation at work. For example, a certain document needs immediate approval from your employer, but they’re currently in a meeting outside the office. Well, who would notice if you signed it? And besides, it’s no biggy since you know that your boss needed the document to go through, right? Well, that’s where most people get it wrong and end up facing criminal charges.

Falsifying someone’s signature, making or altering a document, and other acts that result in forged documents are illegal in Canada. How serious are the charges? Can I face prison time? Let’s dive in and explore forgery in detail.

What is Forgery?

Forgery is the making of a false document or alteration of an authentic one with the intent to use it as if it were genuine to the prejudice of another individual. The offence can be committed to further other criminal activities, such as credit card fraud and identify theft, or to get yourself out of tricky situations at work or other places by signing a false name or modifying certain details in a document.

As per the legal wording of section 366 of the Criminal Code of Canada:

• Everyone commits forgery who makes a false document, knowing it to be false, with intent
• that it should in any way be used or acted on as genuine, to the prejudice of anyone whether within Canada or not; or
• that a person should be induced, by the belief that it is genuine, to do or to refrain from doing anything, whether within Canada or not.

But what constitutes making a false document? Let’s take a look at section 366 (2) of the Criminal Code.

• Making a false document includes:
• altering a genuine document in any material part;
• making a material addition to a genuine document or adding to it a false date, attestation, seal or other thing that is material; or
• making a material alteration in a genuine document by erasure, obliteration, removal or in any other way.

Apart from making forged documents, section 368 states that it’s a crime to knowingly use, traffic, or possess falsified documents. Forgery encompasses many offences, all of which present serious consequences upon conviction. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek legal advice if you’re charged with forgery or other related crimes.

Penalties for Forgery

Forging a signature on a drug prescription or a cheque, creating false passports, using a fake ID, or even changing a date on a document can lead to serious jail time, among other possible penalties. As per section 367 of the Criminal Code:

• Everyone who commits forgery
  1. is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years; or
  2. is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

When charged as a summary offence, forgery carries up to two years in prison. If the crime is not very serious, other possible outcomes include fines, restitution, and probation.

If you’re charged with forgery or any related offences, having an experienced lawyer by your side can result in a favourable outcome. A lawyer will review your case and develop a strong defence to help alleviate the charges, have them dropped, or negotiate for a diversion program.

Contact Zamani Law today for a free assessment of your case.

What Is Uttering a Forged Document?

Uttering a forged document is when a person, knowing or believing that a document is forged, presents it as if it were genuine, sells it to another person knowing that they might use it, or possess it with the intent to commit a crime.

Just like making a forged document, selling, possessing or using one carries severe consequences. The penalties for uttering a forged document are up to 2 years in prison for a summary offence and a maximum of 10 years in prison for an indictable offence.

If you’re charged with uttering a forged document, don’t hesitate to consult an experienced forgery lawyer in Toronto.

When Is It Okay to “Have Ink On Your Hands”?

In some cases, one can make fake documents in good faith. Such scenarios include when the police force or any federal/provincial department or agency requests you to do so. Under such circumstances, you cannot be charged with forgery. This exemption is provided for in section 366 (5) of the Criminal Code.

Contact Zamani Law Forgery Lawyers for Assistance

Making a fake document, falsifying a signature, altering a genuine document, and other forgery acts can lead to serious criminal charges and repercussions. If you are charged with or under investigation for suspected forgery, call our office today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.

We have extensive experience and knowledge in criminal cases and will work to attain the best possible outcome on your behalf.