What to do if i have been accused of forging of a postal money order?
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What to do if i have been accused of forging of a postal money order?
I purchased 2 money orders from the local post office – 1 for $305 and 1 for $$75 for a total of 380. This was to pay my landlord rent. I was recently informed that the money order for $75 was forged and changed to $305. I have no knowledge of how to do such a thing but was informed my now previous landlord will be pressing criminal charges against me. He tried to cash them. What should I do, knowing I did nothing illegal or dishonest?
Asked on October 1, 2011 under Criminal Law, New York
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If charges are pressed, you get a criminal defense attorney to represent you--and you do NOT speak to anyone, especially the authorities, about the matter until and unless you speak with your lawyer (and then you only say what he or she says you can).Remember: under the Constitution, you have a right to not speak (remain silent).
If there is some evidence of forgery, the landlord can legitimately seek to press charges. If the authorities believe there is some evidence, they then may actually charge you with a crime. To be convicted, it would have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that you did this thing, so defending yourself, in general, involves both attacking or undercutting the evidence against you and presenting evidence and testimony in your favor. Your attorney will be able to evaluate the circumstances and determine, if you are in fact charged, how best to do this--and/or if you might be better off seeking to negotiate a plea to a lesser charge or minimal punishment.
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