FORG2000 Uttering a Forged Instrument

Law Office of W.F. ''Casey'' Ebsary Jr

FORG2000 – Tampa Defense Attorney for Uttering a Forged Instrument Charges

Being charged with FORG2000 Uttering a Forged Instrument in Hillsborough County, Florida is a serious matter. Florida law treats presenting or using a forged document as if it were genuine as a third-degree felony, punishable by years in prison, steep fines, and lasting damage to your record and reputation.



If you or someone you know is facing these charges, an experienced Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney can help.
📞 Call (813) 222-2220 today to protect your future.


What Is “Uttering a Forged Instrument”?

Under Florida Statute 831.02, uttering a forged instrument means presenting, publishing, or using a forged document while knowing it is forged, with the intent to injure or defraud another person or entity.

Unlike forgery, which involves creating or altering a document, uttering focuses on using a fraudulent document — even if you didn’t personally forge it.


FORG2000 Uttering a Forged Instrument – Key Facts

CategoryDetails
Form CodeFORG2000
Florida Statute831.02
Crime LevelFelony (Third Degree)
Possible PenaltiesUp to 5 years prison, 5 years probation, $5,000 fine
Common ExamplesPassing a forged check, using a fake deed, submitting a falsified will

Penalties for Uttering a Forged Instrument in Florida

If convicted of FORG2000, you face:

  • Up to 5 years in prison
  • Up to 5 years of probation
  • A $5,000 fine
  • Restitution to victims for any financial harm
  • A felony criminal record that could impact future employment, housing, and voting rights

Aggravating factors like prior criminal history, larger sums of money, or multiple offenses can lead to harsher penalties.


Frequently Asked Questions About FORG2000 Charges

FAQ
FAQ
What counts as a “forged instrument” under Florida law?

A forged instrument includes any document recognized under Florida law that has been falsely made, altered, or counterfeited. Examples include deeds, checks, wills, powers of attorney, insurance policies, and official government documents. The document must be one that has legal significance or evidentiary value — meaning it has the power to affect legal rights or obligations.

Can I be charged with uttering even if I didn’t create the forged document?

Yes. Creation and uttering are two separate crimes. Even if you didn’t forge the document yourself, if you knowingly presented a forged item as genuine, you can be charged with FORG2000.

What if I didn’t know the document was forged?

Knowledge is a key element of the crime. If you did not know the document was forged, you may have a strong defense. Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knew the document was false at the time you presented it.

Is using a fake online document considered uttering a forged instrument?

Yes. Florida computer law treats electronic documents the same as paper documents. Submitting a digitally altered deed, will, or check through email, a website, or a mobile app can lead to the same felony charges.

What is the difference between forgery and uttering?

Forgery: The act of falsely making, altering, or counterfeiting a document.
Uttering: The act of using or presenting a forged document as if it were legitimate, knowing it was forged.
A person could be charged with both crimes in the same case.


Defenses to FORG2000 Uttering a Forged Instrument Charges

Common legal defenses include:

  • Lack of Knowledge: You didn’t know the document was forged.
  • Lack of Intent to Defraud: You had no intention of harming or deceiving anyone.
  • Document Not a “Legal Instrument”: The item was not legally recognized under Florida law.
  • Mistaken Identity: Someone else committed the crime.
  • Constitutional Violations: Evidence was gathered illegally through unlawful searches or seizures.

Each case is unique. An experienced defense attorney can craft a strategy tailored to the facts of your case.


Why Hire W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr. for Your Forgery Defense?

Attorney W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr. is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer with extensive experience in defending clients charged with forgery and uttering offenses in Tampa and across Florida.

Contact Us Call 813-222-2220
Contact Us Call 813-222-2220

You deserve a strong, strategic defense focused on minimizing or eliminating your charges.

📞 Call (813) 222-2220 or visit CentralLaw.com for a confidential consultation today.


Conclusion

Being charged with FORG2000 – Uttering a Forged Instrument is not a situation to take lightly. The penalties are serious, but with the right attorney, you can fight for your rights, your reputation, and your future.

Don’t wait. Early action is critical to building the best possible defense.
👉 Call Tampa Defense Lawyer W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr. at (813) 222-2220 now for help with your case.


Original Post from 2010 Updated to 2025

Uttering Forged Instrument, 831.02, FORG2000, UTTERING A FORGED INSTRUMENT
Uttering Forged Instrument, 831.02, FORG2000

Uttering Forged Instrument

If you have been charged with FORG2000 UTTERING A FORGED INSTRUMENT you can call a Forgery Defense Attorney in Tampa, Florida  at (813) 222-2220 and tell your story.

Form Code: FORG2000
Florida Statute: 831.02
Level: Fel (Felony)
Degree: 3rd

Description: UTTERING A FORGED INSTRUMENT

FORG2000 UTTERING A FORGED INSTRUMENT one of the most commonly charged offenses in Hillsborough County, Florida.

Title XLVI CRIMES
Chapter 831 FORGERY AND COUNTERFEITING

831.02 Uttering forged instruments.

Whoever utters and publishes as true a false, forged or altered record, deed, instrument or other writing mentioned in s. 831.01 knowing the same to be false, altered, forged or counterfeited, with intent to injure or defraud any person, shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

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