Forgery and identity theft are very serious crimes in Kansas City, Missouri.  In most cases forgery is charged as a class C felony, which means the penalties if convicted are severe.  Kansas City Identity theft may be charged as a class A or B felony, or a class A or B misdemeanor depending on the facts of the case.  Regardless, it is essential to have an experienced and dedicated Kansas City criminal defense lawyer who will advocate on your behalf and fight vigorously to protect your freedom.  At The O'Connor Law Firm we provide outstanding legal guidance, protecting our clients from overzealous prosecutors.  Don't hesitate to contact Matt O'Connor, with over 20 years court room experience, he has worked on numerous Kansas City identity theft cases as well as Kansas City forgery cases.

Kansas City, Missouri Forgery Charges

What is forgery?  While it is a complex area, this offense occurs when an individual purposely defrauds someone else by altering, completing, or authenticating any writing so that it purports to have been made by another person at another place or time, or in a numbered sequence other than was in fact the case or with different terms.  It sounds a bit confusing, and it is.  To make it simpler to understand, think of it this way:  You take your grandmother's checkbook, write a check out for $100 payable to yourself, and sign your grandmother's name to the check before cashing it.  While it may sound innocent enough, this is forgery - and it could result in jail time along with substantial fines. 

Forgery in Kansas City could also occur if you destroy, obliterate, or erase any writing in order to alter a paper or document.  Putting your own picture on another individual's identification card, changing or modifying VIN numbers, forging signatures on checks or promissory notes - these are just a few examples of forgery.

There are extreme cases of forgery that can be federal or felony crimes when the forgery resulted in extreme fraud or other forms of criminal activity.  In any instance, we highly recommend you contact Matt O'Connor, he has over 20 years experience in the court room assisting clients as a talented Kansas City Forgery criminal defense attorney.

Kansas City, Missouri Identity Theft Charges

There are various types of identity theft including financial, medical, criminal, social security, and insurance identity theft.  Essentially, a person may commit what is also sometimes referred to as identity fraud in Kansas City by using another individual's personal information for their own gain.  If you possess or attempt to possess, use, or transfer another person's birth certificate, social security or drivers license number, passport, or any personal identifying information for your own gain, you may face criminal charges.  Attempting to access another person's financial accounts using PIN codes, credit or debit card numbers, checking account numbers, and other documents may leave you facing identity theft charges, even in the event you do not use the information taken.  The internet has now become a significant source from hacking and computer crimes, to obtain the information needed for identity theft.

This is an extremely serious charge, and you need a talented and knowledgeable attorney by your side to ensure you don't face serious consequences.  Contact Matt O'Connor, a Kansas City identity theft defense attorney immediately for a free consultation.

Criminal Penalties for Forgery and Identity Theft in Kansas City, Missouri

Identity theft penalties vary depending on whether a person is convicted of a class A or B felony, or a class A or B misdemeanor.  A class B misdemeanor is the least serious charge and results in a fine of up to $500 and/or a maximum or six months in jail.  On the other end of the spectrum, those found guilty of a class A felony identity theft charge will face between 10 and 30 years in prison.  Charges and penalties depend for the most part on the amount of the resulting loss.

Forgery is typically charged as a class C felony, and will result in a $5,000 fine along with up to seven years in prison.

Contact The O'Connor Law Firm Today

Prosecutors vigorously pursue the maximum punishment for those accused of forgery or identity theft in Missouri.  Whether you are under investigation or have been arrested, it is vital to protect your legal rights and seek out capable legal guidance.  Contact a highly skilled and qualified Kansas City criminal defense attorney at The O'Connor Law Firm now at 816-842-1111 for a free consultation regarding your case.