Charge of Forgery-Making and Passing

[S.Wilsford]

What is the name of your state? TEXAS.
Can someone please explain a charge of Forgery - Making and Passing?
I worked for a guy who owns a tractor repair shop for over three years running errands, keeping records of and paying the bills for his shop and home. We decided to purchase a few horses as partners, things started going bad with that, next thing I know I am being accused of stealing from him and forging checks for over a year! He gave me a check or checkbook to pay his bills, by parts, go to Wal-Mart for supplies and household items, even for gas and horse feed. Sometimes he signed them and I filled in the rest, but when he was busy or unreachable I signed and filled them out, it was that way the entire time I worked for him. He filed numerous counts of forgery against me, but later stated that he was the one who wrote some of the checks for which he claimed were forged. The checks that I am charged with are written to gas stations for gas to run his errands, feed stores for horse feed, or Wal-Mart for things he asked me to pick up for him. None of them are for cash or to purchase items for me personaly. I have an arraignment hearing for this in less than two weeks. What do I need to do first?

 

[JETX]

Forgery is covered in Texas Penal Code, §32.21. A copy online can be found at:
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/PE/content/htm/pe.007.00.000032.00.htm#32.21.00

In reviewing the statute, it is important for you to realize the seriousness of this charge:
"An offense under this section is a state jail felony if the writing is or purports to be a..... check, authorization to debit an account at a financial institution, or similar sight order for payment of money, contract, release, or other commercial instrument."

"What do I need to do first?"
*** This answer is simple and obvious.... GET AN ATTORNEY!! NOW!!!
You have been charged with committing a CRIME. That means you are facing potentially large fines and possible incarceration. On top of that, I am sure that this 'victim' will later file a civil claim against you for the 'damages' you caused.
Again, GET AN ATTORNEY..... NOW!!

 

[ptlmejo]

Definately have to agree with getting an attorney...

Dig up as many witnesses as you can find (i.e. driving his truck, etc)...

Good luck...

 

[S.Wilsford]

Texas....
We live in a small town and everyone here knew I worked for him. The feed store owners and gas station employees were the first ones to notify me that the police had been in asking questions. He had even requested that the bank allow me to sign checks/deposit slips for him since I was the one who handled most of it! Like I said I now see how this was not a wise situation to get myself into, but I hope the judge to be a decent judge of character and someone running a business who has not paid ANY type of taxes in over 10 years can not be one of solid character! Thankfully I was not aware of his non-taxpaying ways until right before I quit working for him. He also knowingly has on file with the bank an incorrect social security number(their mistake, his failure to correct it!) It's not long till the 14th, guess we will see how the arraignment goes!