Forgery Defense

Forgery in Missouri is a class D felony — up to seven years — and it covers far more than faking a signature. Altering a document, passing a bad check, using a falsified instrument: the statute sweeps broadly. But it has one demanding element the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt: the purpose to defraud.

Intent Is Everything

People sign documents for family members with permission. Employees process paperwork they believe is legitimate. Spouses share accounts in ways that look suspicious only after the relationship sours. None of that is forgery — and Mike has spent 25 years making juries and prosecutors see the difference between a crime and a misunderstanding.

Building the Defense

• Authorization. Express or implied permission defeats the charge.
• Knowledge. Passing a document you didn't know was false is not a crime.
• Handwriting and forensic challenges. Document examination is far less scientific than the State pretends.
• Paper trails cut both ways. Bank records, emails, and texts often prove the accused's good faith.

Forgery cases frequently travel with stealing or fraud counts. Mike defends the whole picture, not one charge at a time.

Key Missouri Law

Charged? Here's Your Next Move.

Do not give a statement. Do not consent to a search. Do not plead at your first appearance just to make it stop. Call or text 636.940.7771 — any hour, any day — or send the free case evaluation form and we'll get back to you fast.