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Law Office of Andrew L. Bertrand, PC

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Criminal Impersonation, Forgery, and Fake Identification

The Law Office of Andrew L. Bertrand, PC in Fort Collins provides defense representation to Coloradoans charged with theft and fraud crimes, including criminal impersonation, forgery, and fake identification.

Criminal Impersonation

Under Colorado law, a person commits criminal impersonation if he or she knowingly assumes a false or fictitious identity or capacity, and in such identity or capacity:

  • Marries, or pretends to marry or sustain a marriage relation toward another without the agreement of the other person
  • Becomes bail or surety for a party in a civil or criminal action or proceeding, civil or criminal, before a court or officer authorized to take the bail or surety
  • Confesses a judgment, or subscribes, verifies, publishes, acknowledges, or proves a written instrument, which by law may be recorded, with the intent that the statement may be delivered as true
  • Does an act that if done by the person falsely impersonated, might subject such person to an action or special proceeding, civil or criminal, or to liability, charge, forfeiture, or penalty
  • Does any other act with intent to unlawfully gain a benefit for himself, herself, or another, or to injure or defraud another

Criminal impersonation is a Class 6 felony punishable by six months to three years in prison, one year mandatory parole, and possible fines between $1000 and $100,000.

Forgery

In Colorado, forgery offenses are usually classified as either first degree forgery or second degree forgery. A person commits first degree forgery if he or she falsely and fraudulently makes, alters, or passes off official documents, such as money, stocks, wills, deeds, public records, or contracts, while second degree forgery involves papers that are not categorized as official documents. The law also recognizes numerous other offenses that may be charged in relation to an alleged forgery crime, including:

  • Criminal possession of a forged instrument
  • Criminal possession of a second degree forged instrument
  • Criminal possession of forgery devices
  • Criminal simulation
  • Obtaining signature by deception

First degree forgery is charged as a Class 5 felony punishable by six months to six years in prison, two years mandatory parole, and possible fines between $1000 and $100,000. Second degree forgery is charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying a presumptive sentence of six months to 18 months in jail and $500 to $5000 in fines.

Fake Identification

In a college town like Fort Collins, it is common for students to have fake IDs and use them to purchase alcohol and gain entrance to bars. However, the penalties for being caught with fake identification can be severe. Colorado law allows for fines of up to $1000 and a year in jail if convicted. Use of a fake government-issued ID can also be charged as a felony. In many cases, we are able to negotiate a downgrade of this offense to a violation of a municipal ordinance, which minimizes penalties and avoids a criminal record.

Seek Experienced, Passionate Criminal Defense Representation

If you or someone you love has been charged with criminal impersonation, forgery, or possession of fake identification, contact the Law Office of Andrew L. Bertrand, PC for a free consultation. We will provide the strong defense representation you need to overcome these potentially serious charges.