Discovering that a loved one has been arrested for forgery can be shocking and overwhelming. Thoughts race through your mind — What does this mean for them? What will happen next? How do I protect them? Forgery is considered a serious criminal offense in California, and a conviction can have long‑lasting consequences on a person’s life, career, and reputation.
If you are in Fresno or the surrounding Central Valley and find yourself in this situation, it’s critical to understand the charges, the legal process, and most importantly, the steps you need to take right now to safeguard your family member’s future.
Under California Penal Code 470, forgery occurs when someone falsifies or alters a document with the intent to defraud. Common examples include:
Signing someone else’s name without authorization
Altering checks or financial documents
Creating fake identification cards
Falsifying legal documents
Producing counterfeit contracts or records
Forgery is considered a “wobbler” offense in California, which means it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances, including the amount involved and the defendant’s criminal history.
A forgery conviction can lead to severe penalties, including:
Incarceration — up to three years in county jail for felony forgery
Fines — which may reach thousands of dollars
Restitution — repayment of any financial loss caused
Probation — with strict terms and conditions
Permanent criminal record — affecting employment, housing, and licensing opportunities
In some cases, forgery charges are paired with related offenses such as fraud, theft, or identity theft. This can significantly increase the potential penalties.
When a loved one is arrested for forgery, time is of the essence. Here are the immediate actions you should take:
Your first reaction may be panic, but staying composed will help you make clear decisions. Find out basic information:
Where they are being held
The exact charges they face
Upcoming court dates
Whether bail has been set
Anything your family member says to police — or even to others — could be used against them. Encourage them to remain silent until they have legal counsel present.
Forgery cases require in‑depth knowledge of California criminal law. An experienced Fresno criminal defense attorney can analyze the charges, review evidence, and develop strong defense strategies.
Mark Broughton has defended countless clients against serious charges — including complex white‑collar crimes like forgery — ensuring their rights are protected every step of the way. His decades of experience and specialized certification in criminal law provide clients with a powerful defense.
Your attorney can help argue for lower bail or alternative release options. In certain forgery cases, effective negotiation can help avoid unnecessary detention.
Every forgery case is unique. The defense strategy often revolves around challenging the prosecution’s evidence, proving lack of intent, or demonstrating mistaken identity. Potential defense approaches include:
No intent to defraud — The law requires intent. If your family member did not intend to deceive, this could weaken the case.
Mistaken identity — They may have been wrongly identified as the person who committed the act.
Insufficient evidence — If the prosecution cannot produce substantial proof, charges may be reduced or dismissed.
Consent given — In some cases, authorization to sign or alter documents can be a valid defense.
Mark Broughton’s familiarity with Fresno County courts and deep understanding of California forgery statutes means he can find areas where the prosecution’s case is vulnerable.
Knowing what to expect can greatly reduce anxiety. A typical forgery case proceeds through:
Arrest — Law enforcement takes the suspect into custody.
Booking — Fingerprinting, photographs, and entry into the system.
Arraignment — Formal reading of charges and opportunity to enter a plea.
Pretrial hearings — Where evidence is shared and motions may be filed.
Trial or Negotiation — The case may go before a jury or be resolved via plea agreement.
Sentencing — If convicted, penalties are imposed.
Throughout this process, having a skilled defense attorney can influence bail amounts, pretrial motions, and negotiations with prosecutors.
The fallout from a forgery conviction goes beyond criminal penalties:
Difficulty obtaining jobs in finance, legal, or government sectors
Loss of professional licenses
Damage to personal and professional reputation
Immigration consequences for non‑citizens
Difficulty renting housing due to background checks
Because of these far‑reaching consequences, you should never take a forgery arrest lightly.
The sooner your family retains a knowledgeable attorney, the greater the chance of achieving a favorable outcome. Mark Broughton provides:
Case evaluation — Reviewing documents, witness statements, and the prosecution’s evidence
Court representation — Aggressive defense in Fresno County Superior Court
Negotiation — Working to reduce charges, secure probation, or achieve dismissal
Support through the process — Guiding families with compassion during every stage
Clients appreciate Mark’s honest assessment of their situation, which allows them to make informed decisions about their case. His proven track record includes defending complex criminal charges with skill and persistence.
When a loved one is facing forgery charges, avoid these mistakes:
Interfering with the investigation
Posting about the situation on social media
Providing documents or statements without legal guidance
Assuming the charges will “go away” without defense action
Doing any of the above can worsen the situation and complicate your lawyer’s efforts.
Fresno County has its own procedural nuances when it comes to criminal cases. Local knowledge can be an advantage in forging defenses and navigating the system quickly. Mark Broughton, who has practiced in the Central Valley for decades, understands how local judges, prosecutors, and legal processes work — which can be pivotal for strategic defense decisions.
The most important step following a forgery arrest is to secure legal representation immediately. Delays can mean lost opportunities to challenge evidence, negotiate bail, or dismiss charges early.
If your loved one has been arrested for forgery in Fresno, the path forward starts with expert legal guidance. Contact Mark Broughton’s office today to schedule a one‑on‑one consultation. He will review your case, explain all your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Call Mark Broughton at (559) 691-6222 or visit fresnocriminallawyer.com to get started. He is on your side — and ready to protect your family member’s future.
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