Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

What, exactly is he facing ?

A friend of mine just confided in me, and revealed something very disturbing. He said that he purchased an item in which he ''purchased'' with a check that he ''made himself''. . . he used a name/address/acct. number that he just made up - and the institution that accepted the check didn't check ID or anything else.

This apparently happened about a month ago, and he hasn't heard anything . . . my question is this: What exactly is he guilty of(in legal terms) and what are the chances he'll actually get caught ?

I'm just very worried for him, and don't know what to do or tell him in order to help him.

Thx!


Asked on 5/14/04, 4:08 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

James R Matthews J R Matthews & Associates LLC

Re: What, exactly is he facing ?

Possibly Theft by Check or Fraud, depending on how much the check was written for. As for getting caught...depends on video or eyewitness ID.

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Answered on 5/17/04, 10:00 am
Basil Hoyl Law office of Basil Hoyl

Re: What, exactly is he facing ?

Your friend is a forger. In Texas, forgery is a felony and a crime of moral turpitude. Crimestoppers pays cash rewards for turning in felons like your friend. Call 817 459 5735, or 469-8477 or 459-5801 if you need money. Unchecked, he will most likely do it again. Eventually he will be caught, but not before he damages a few more innocent people. Anyone who aids or helps him or agrees to help or conceal his crime can be in about as much trouble as he is. Anyone found in possession of such a forged check might be charged with forgery by possession. Terminate your "friendship" immediately. That person is headed for prison. No doubt. Find friends who will be more likely to be a room mate than a cell mate. By the way, there are cameras at the mall.

http://www.reasonable-doubt.com

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Answered on 5/14/04, 4:29 pm
Laura D. Heard Law Office of Laura D. Heard

Re: What, exactly is he facing ?

Your friend could be charged with a number of different felonies, depending upon the amount of the check. The creation of the check in any amount is the felony of "Forgery of a Commercial Instrument." (2 years in State Jail max.) There is also "Theft by Check" with varying punishment depending on the amount of the check. This type of offense is particularly bad on your record whenever a person looks for a job, gets a credit check, etc. Your friend will most likely be caught, considering there are security cameras everywhere. Be careful or you will be considered an accomplice.

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Answered on 5/14/04, 8:14 pm


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