Protect Your Future With A Rapid City Forgery Defense Attorney

At Skinner Law Office, P.C., we understand how stressful a forgery charge can be. With over 25 years of experience, our founder, attorney Matt Skinner, has defended clients in charges like these across Pennington County and the Black Hills. Our Rapid City forgery defense lawyers provide local legal representation, personal attention and customized legal strategies you need to protect your future.

The Serious Nature Of Forgery Charges In South Dakota

Forgery is a serious white collar crime defense Rapid City residents may face. A single allegation can harm your reputation and career. Whether you live in Rapid City or were visiting during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, we can offer dedicated legal representation and hands-on guidance through every stage of your case. Our approach combines compassion with aggressive advocacy to protect your rights.

What Constitutes Forgery Under South Dakota Codified Law 22-39-36

Under this law, forgery means making, altering or passing a false written instrument with the intent to defraud. Common examples include signing another person’s name, creating false checks or using altered identification. In South Dakota, forgery is a class 5 felony that can bring up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. When facing South Dakota class 5 felony forgery defense charges, understanding what the state must prove is essential.

Defending Against Intent To Defraud And Related Allegations

Intent to defraud is central to any forgery case. We build defenses that challenge the claim that you acted with intent to deceive, including a lack of intent defense South Dakota approach, when the act was accidental or mistaken. Common defenses we may raise include:

• Lack of intent: You acted accidentally or without a fraudulent purpose.
• Lack of knowledge: You did not realize someone forged the instrument.
• Consent or authority: You had permission to sign or use the document.
• Constitutional violations: You experienced rights violations during a search or seizure.

We build a strong defense for intent to defraud charges in South Dakota by using handwriting or financial experts to challenge the evidence. Our firm represents clients accused of offenses involving checks, deeds and prescriptions tied to possessing a forged instrument. We also handle defenses to check forgery charges in South Dakota for clients across Pennington and Meade counties.

Protect Your Future With Local Experience And Personal Defense

Attorney Matt Skinner is a Pennington County forgery lawyer who understands how South Dakota courts treat forgery vs. counterfeiting. If you face Black Hills forgery charges, we provide skilled and efficient resolution. Call 605-519-5600 or contact us online for a free consultation with a South Dakota forgery attorney.