When you sign your name on someone else’s check or money order, this is considered a felony. There are several possible forgery offenses with which you may be charged in Texas:

• Criminal forgery
• Criminal simulation
• Trademark counterfeiting
• Stealing or receiving a stolen check

Chapter 32 of the penal code defines forgery as creating, issuing, or possessing any writing which falsely claims to:

• Be the act of another individual,
• Have been executed at a time, place, or sequence other than what is fact, or
• Be a copy of an original that does not exist.

Even if you are not given a jail sentence, it’s important to keep a forgery conviction off your record. Conviction on a forgery charge can affect your reputation for the rest of your life and virtually take you out of the job market.

Immigration consequences of a forgery conviction. If you are not a U.S. citizen, the immigration consequences of forgery conviction can be dire. I have successfully negotiated deals with the state that have allowed my clients to remain in the country after their cases were resolved.