First Degree Forgery

[oseoshea]

So one morning, two kids(16-17) come to my front door. I knew one of the guys as being my friends cousin <Mod Edit: Removed a third-party name for privacy reasons>. They told me they had done a side job for this lady and she paid them with a check. They told me they had no ID or bank account to cash the check, and they would pay me $20 bucks to cash the $130 check. I know, I know, I know, how dumb I am. I let those *******s coax me into helping them out. So now one warrant for my arrest, one night in jail, and a long headache later, I am sitting here waiting for the courtdate. This carries a sentence of 1-7 years. I have learned a valuable lesson the hard way... but it can get a lot harder! Any advice would be appreciated.

[Aeval]

Welcome to FraudWatchers!

I'm sorry that you have found yourself here under such nasty circumstances.

Advice:

1. Either get an attorney, or request that a public defender be appointed to you. From what you posted, I gather that you have not been arraigned yet. An arraignment hearing is where the charges are read to you by the judge and where you enter a plea. If you cannot afford your own attorney, you can ask for a public defender to be appointed to you at that hearing.

2. Do not post your story on other message boards on the internet, and do not discuss the details of your case with anyone but your attorney (once you get one). There is an attorney-client priviledge between you and your lawyer, and you should discuss this issue only with them.

3. Gather all the data you can on those kids who asked for your "help". Turn that over to your attorney, he\she will know what to do with it.

I am sorry that you have found yourself in this situation. I know that it must be not only scary, but also infuriating. After all, you wanted to extend a helping hand and you got burned in the process.

Let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

[topcop]

Mata has given you great advise !! Also, the one thing you have going for you (if you have no prior record) is 1- first offence and 2- intent : even in these types of cases, intent (or lack of) is a reasonable arguement to the court. BUT, Mata is right - get a lawyer and keep quiet.... let the lawyer do the work and talking... Good Luck -- tc

[Saturn Girl]

As above. Get an attorney or request a public deffender. Lawyers do this in every jurisdiction. PDs are lawyers doing "pro bono" work, (for the public good) and don't discuss details with anyone EXCEPT the attorney.

And TC is also right. With a first offense, that can work in your favor. If you have made restitution to the bank, that will also work in your favor.