Financial fraud related criminal charges are sometimes referred to as white collar crimes. Colorado criminal offenses like fraud, bad checks, and forgery are serious offenses with serious consequences. If you’ve been arrested and accused of any of these crimes, you need the help of an aggressive Colorado defense attorney.
Crimes like this are nearly always committed in times of financial stress. You may have felt desperate, and taken a crazy chance that you normally would never do.
Of course, if you are not guilty of the offense, you need an attorney to defend you against the charges and clear your name. It is unfortunately and unpleasant, but it’s a problem that you have to take very seriously.
Whatever, the case we can help. We know that whether you did something you now regret or are innocent of everything you are accused of, you need and deserve the best representation you can get.
Please contact us to find out how we can help you work through your options and understand exactly what you are facing. Our initial defense consultation is always free.
Colorado Fraud by Check (Bad Checks) – Laws & Penalties
You can be charged with fraud by check in Colorado if you issue a check knowing that it won’t be honored by the bank. The charge and potential sentence you face are determined by the value of the check(s). If there is more than one check issued in a period of less than 6 months, the totals will be combined.
| Value of Check(s) | Criminal Charge | Potential Sentence |
| Less than $500 | Class 2 Misdemeanor | 3 months to 1 year in jail and fines of $250-$1,000 |
| $500- $1,000 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 6 – 18 months in jail and fines of $500- $5,000 |
| $1,000 or more | Class 6 felony | 1 year- 18 months in prison and fines of $1,000- $100,000 |
Ref: CRS 18-5-205
Issuing a False Financial Statement or Obtaining Credit by False Statements – Laws & Penalties
If you represent your financial situation in order to obtain a credit card or similar device, you could face this charge. This includes lying about your income on a credit application, presenting falsified pay records, or similar situations.
A charge of false financial statements is typically a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by 6 to 18 months in jail and fines of $500- $5,000.
Ref: CRS 18-5-209
Colorado Forgery – Laws & Penalties
A forgery charge doesn’t have to mean an elaborate scheme of creating fake documents from scratch. Forgery is making, altering, or signing something with the intent to defraud. It includes altering or creating such things as wills, government documents, property of companies, stocks, certificates, lottery documents, or promissory notes, for example.
Even a slight alteration, or a false signature can result in a forgery charge.
Forgery is a Class 4 felony and is punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison and fines of $1,000 to $100,000.
Ref: CRS 18-5-102
Free Consultation on Bad Checks or Fraud Related Charges in Colorado
If you are accused of writing a bad check, or any fraud or forgery related offense, I know you are going through a tough time. Whatever happened, you need to talk to someone who knows how these things work, and can give you specific options and advice about how to fight the charges, and fix the problem.
You need to know these crimes are typically prosecuted aggressively in Colorado criminal courts. If you are facing and fraud related charge in a Colorado criminal court, you need a serious and aggressive defense. Call today to discuss how we can help you.