Check Fraud Sentencing & Punishment – California Penal Code 476

Check fraud is considered to be forgery. Under California Penal Code Section 470, the crime of forgery is a “wobbler.” This means that the prosecution has the discretion to charge the crime as a misdemeanor or a felony.

Under California’s new sentencing guidelines, or “AB 109 Realignment”, if you are convicted of felony check fraud, you face up to 3 years in a California County Jail. A conviction of felony check fraud burglary will no longer result in a state prison sentence. Moreover, if convicted of felony check fraud, you can be put on probation for up to three years, minus any time you are sentenced to in County Jail. A misdemeanor conviction is punishable by imprisonment in county jail for up to one year.

If your or a loved one is facing a charge of check fraud, it is important that you speak with an experienced attorney to defend your rights. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience in handling check fraud cases. We will aggressively fight to get you the best possible result in your case. Call us today at (888) 749-0034. We will be there when you call.