Código Penal 115 – Falsificación de Documentos en California

Are you facing charges of filing false documents in California?

California Penal Code 115 PC establishes that intentionally filing, registering, or recording a false or forged document in a public office is a felony. A person who commits this offense can face up to three years in prison, depending on the severity of the case.

In legal terms, Penal Code 115 establishes that:

“115 (a) Any person who intentionally or knowingly acquires or offers any false or forged instrument to be filed, registered, or recorded in any public office located in California, which instrument, if genuine, could be filed, registered, or recorded under any law of this state or of the United States, is guilty of a felony.”

This crime is generally committed with the intent to obtain financial gain, such as falsifying income documents to pay less taxes. If you face charges for filing false documents in California, it's important to understand your legal rights and seek the help of an experienced defense attorney.

Penal Code 115 PC applies to a variety of situations, such as forging real estate deeds, filing false documents with government agencies, or submitting false timesheets to public employers.

To defend yourself against these charges, it is essential to understand the elements of the crime, which include intentionally presenting a false document in a public office, knowing that the document is false, and knowing that the document presented would be genuine if it were not forged.

There are legal defenses that could help you combat these accusations, such as arguing that you didn't know the document was forged, that it wasn't filed at a public office, or that you were falsely accused due to a personal dispute or vendetta.

Penalties for a conviction under Penal Code 115 PC can include imprisonment in jail or prison, as well as substantial fines. However, a qualified criminal defense attorney can help you pursue a strong defense and minimize the legal consequences.

If you are facing charges of filing false documents in California, we recommend contacting an experienced law firm, such as Law Offices Vivian N. Szawarc, for legal advice and to defend your rights. Our experience in similar cases can help you prove your innocence or reduce the penalties you may face. Don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation to learn more about your legal situation.