My daughter forged my signature on 3 checks. Is this a federal offense?

Question

My daughter and me went counseling and our counselor didn’t know. I was very surprise. Shouldn’t they know about certain legal things or no?

She forged $500.00. And I don't want to press charges; I just want to let her know about the consequences of her felony. This is her first offense, and yes we did take precautions. If I don’t want to press charges give me an advice, what should I do?

Answer 1

Maybe, but the Feds don't bother with minor things like that. Why are you asking? Do you want her to be prosecuted?

Answer 2

No kidding that's a federal offense. What she did is referred to as fraud, or identity theft. It carries the same penalties as if someone digging through your trash stole your signature and started forging checks.

In fact, I have a hunch that it might be one of those crimes where it doesn't matter if you want to press charges; the government is obliged to prosecute her.

I would definitely call the police though. What she did might seem minor since she is your daughter, and it was only a piece of paper, but what she did was a VERY serious offense, and you would be doing her a disservice if all you did was inform her that what she did was wrong. She knows that it was wrong, telling her it was wrong instead of involving law enforcement just teaches her that you are a safer person to mess with than the rest of society, and you surely will fall victim to something else she will do later.

Do your daughter a favor - call the police. She needs a good scare, or this will happen again. If you don't want to press charges there will likely not be any jail time involved, but she will get a loud and clear message that her parents aren't the pushovers the might think you are, if she has enough cockiness to do such a terrible thing to you.

Answer 3

No, it is not a Federal offense.
Forgery and theft are usually criminal acts defined by the States. The amount of money involved is the difference between a felony (grand theft) and a misdemeanor (petit theft).
The type of paper that was forged is the difference between the different degrees of forgery. For example, the Uniform Criminal Code says forging stocks or bonds is Forgery in the first degree; forging checks, deeds, wills is Forgery in the second degree.

Answer 4

Technically it's three counts of fraud and theft, good luck getting any justice if she's a young offender though. And concerning whether or not a counselor should know these things, I would say no, a counselor is there to help two or more people get to the root of a problem through dialogue and strategic questioning, if you want legal advice find a lawyer who provides free consultation and ask them.. It' disappointing to hear that your own family treats you like this. I'm sorry you have to go through it...Good luck.

Answer 5

Your daughter broke the law, but if you are not willing to complete and file an affidavit of forgery she cannot be prosecuted under the law.
In order for this to be a Federal offense, it would have to relate to a huge sum of money and perhaps be combined with another crime (i.e. mail fraud, wire fraud, etc)
Contact a local Attorney, Legal Aid, your Police Department of the Officer at the Bank where your account is held.

Answer 6

Defiantly a State law. But it depends on the State and how much was stolen.
My son in law did this to his father 7 years ago.
Because of the dollar amount, he went to jail.
Now he has straighten out his life enough so that my daughter married him last year and I finally see a proud and contented smile from my granddaughter.
Talk with your police or sheriff dept. They will be able to advise you better than a shrink.

Answer 7

There must be something terible wrong with you r relationship with your daughter, I think is best if you handled it with her, after all you birthed her! The question is mennenless as is is a mom amd daughter thing, give her an ultimatum, and how old is she? Go to a religiuos clergy of your choice ,look for answers but not to put her in prison! Blessings.

Answer 8

That is a state thing, and only if you press charges. Because you go to counselling means nothing. Press charges, she needs to learn about the real world.

Answer 9

Counselors don't need to be aware of all acts of law. But what your daughter commited is Fraud and yes it is a Federal Offense.

Answer 10

Till you are not keen to punish her, practically speaking, there should not be any problem since I presume the matter is not in any official records.
(i) If you feel your daughter understands her fault and is repentant for act, you should co-operate her and ensure that she does not get depression,but you should tactfully warn her for future and take promises for future good conduct. Keep vigilance indirectly.
(ii) If your daughter does not realise her folly, it is your duty to make her understand her responsibilities before you forgive her
(iii) Have faith in God and seek HIS blessings for her. Everything will be alright.
BEST OF LUCK.

Answer 11

as for your orig question, yes, if you wanted to, or the institutions the checks were written to wanted to, they could press federal check fraud charges..... (every check that is bounced is now a federal crime handled by the state and local judicial system)

as for the counselor, yes they should know. it will help them to find a way to help you both through your problems