Fraud and Forgery Charges in Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Fraud and forgery charges in Delaware County involve allegations of deception, misrepresentation, or falsification intended to obtain money, property, or another benefit. These offenses are often document-heavy and can quickly escalate from misdemeanors to felony charges under Pennsylvania law, especially when financial loss or identity misuse is alleged.
Attorney William Burrows defends individuals charged with fraud and forgery throughout Delaware County, representing clients in both Magisterial District Courts and the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
See all Criminal Charges – Delaware County
Common Fraud and Forgery Charges in Delaware County
Pennsylvania law criminalizes a wide range of fraud-related conduct. Charges commonly prosecuted in Delaware County include:
Forgery
Forgery involves altering, creating, or using a written document with the intent to defraud. This may include:
- Signing another person’s name
- Altering checks or financial instruments
- Falsifying legal or identification documents
Forgery charges may be graded as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the document involved and the alleged financial impact.
Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when a person is accused of using another individual’s personal or financial information without authorization. These cases often involve:
- Credit cards
- Bank accounts
- Online transactions
Theft by Deception
This charge applies when property or services are obtained through false statements, misleading conduct, or concealment of material facts.
Access Device Fraud
Allegations involving unauthorized use of credit cards, debit cards, or account numbers may result in access device fraud charges.
Insurance or Financial Fraud
Fraud allegations may also arise from insurance claims, loan applications, or other financial transactions.
How Fraud and Forgery Cases Are Handled in Delaware County Courts
Magisterial District Courts
Most fraud and forgery cases begin in the Magisterial District Court serving the location where the alleged offense occurred. These courts handle:
- Preliminary arraignments
- Bail determinations
- Preliminary hearings
Delaware County Magisterial District Courts
Even when a case begins at the district court level, many fraud charges are held for court due to their complexity.
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Felony fraud and forgery charges, as well as higher-graded misdemeanors, are prosecuted in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, which oversees:
- Formal arraignments
- Pretrial motions
- Trial or negotiated plea resolutions
- Sentencing
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
These cases often involve extensive financial records, digital evidence, and expert testimony.
Fraud and Forgery Charges by Location in Delaware County
Fraud and forgery cases are prosecuted in the Magisterial District Court assigned to the municipality where the alleged conduct occurred or where the financial harm was reported.
If you are facing fraud or forgery charges in any of the following areas, your case will begin in the appropriate district court:
- Aldan, Folcroft, and Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Aston, Chester, and Upper Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Brookhaven, Parkside, Rose Valley, and Upland Criminal Defense
- Chester City Criminal Defense
- Clifton Heights Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Collingdale, Glenolden, and Norwood Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Colwyn, Darby, and Sharon Hill Borough Criminal Defense
- East Lansdowne Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Haverford and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Lansdowne and Yeadon Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Marple and Newtown Criminal Defense
- Media and Swarthmore Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Prospect Park, Ridley Park, and Tinicum Township Criminal Defense
- Radnor Township Criminal Defense
- Springfield Township Criminal Defense
- Upper and Lower Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Upper Providence Township Criminal Defense
Delaware County Criminal Defense by Town
Fraud, Forgery, and Violation Proceedings
Fraud-related charges frequently lead to violation proceedings, particularly when the accused is already under court supervision or subject to court orders.
Common scenarios include:
- New fraud charges while on probation
- Financial misconduct violating parole conditions
- Violations of court-ordered restitution or reporting requirements
Violation Types in Delaware County Courts:
- Probation Violations in Delaware County
- Parole Violations in Delaware County
- Technical Violations
- All Violations
Violation hearings are typically handled by the Court of Common Pleas, even if the underlying charge began in district court.
Potential Penalties for Fraud and Forgery Convictions
Penalties depend on the grading of the offense, the amount of financial loss, and prior criminal history. Potential consequences include:
- Jail or state prison sentences
- Probation or parole supervision
- Restitution to alleged victims
- Significant fines and court costs
- Permanent criminal record
Felony convictions may also impact employment opportunities, professional licenses, and financial standing.
Defense Strategies for Fraud and Forgery Charges
Fraud and forgery cases often hinge on intent and documentation. Defense strategies may include:
- Challenging proof of intent to defraud
- Disputing authorship or authenticity of documents
- Examining financial records for inaccuracies
- Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence
- Negotiating restitution-based resolutions
Attorney William Burrows brings a strategic, detail-oriented approach to fraud defense, informed by his experience working on complex cases within Delaware County’s court system.