Uttering Lawyer Bergen County — What Are the Defenses to a Forgery Charge?
Uttering a forged instrument is a serious crime in Bergen County, prosecuted under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1 and heard in the Superior Court in Hackensack. A conviction can lead to significant prison time and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing these charges, securing an experienced uttering lawyer Bergen County is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is Uttering Under New Jersey Law?
In New Jersey, the crime of “uttering” is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1, which is part of the state’s forgery and related offenses statute. Uttering occurs when a person, knowing that a written instrument is forged, issues or passes it, or attempts to do so, with the purpose of defrauding or injuring another person. The statute treats uttering as a crime of the third degree, but it can be elevated to a second-degree crime under specific aggravating circumstances, such as if the forged instrument is part of an organized scheme or if the amount involved exceeds $75,000.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For local court procedures and forms, visit the Bergen Vicinage website.
Bergen County Court Process for Uttering Charges
Uttering cases in Bergen County begin with an arrest or summons and are prosecuted in the Superior Court, Law Division, Criminal Part, located in Hackensack. Prosecutors in this vicinage often pursue these charges aggressively, especially in cases involving financial documents or checks. An experienced uttering lawyer near me Bergen County can handle the specific procedures of this court, including pre-indictment conferences and discovery motions.
- Your first court appearance will be an arraignment where the charges are formally read, and you enter a plea.
- The case proceeds to a pre-indictment conference where your attorney can discuss potential resolutions with the Assistant Prosecutor.
- If not resolved, the case goes before a grand jury for indictment.
- Post-indictment, there will be case management conferences and motion hearings.
- Your attorney will engage in plea negotiations or prepare for trial.
- If convicted at trial, a sentencing hearing will be scheduled.
Penalties for Uttering in New Jersey
In Bergen County, uttering a forged instrument as a third-degree crime carries a potential penalty of 3 to 5 years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uttering (Base) | Crime of the 3rd Degree | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | None directly | Permanent criminal record, difficulty finding employment, loss of professional licenses. |
| Uttering (Aggravated) | Crime of the 2nd Degree | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | None directly | Same as above, with longer parole ineligibility periods. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Uttering Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that an uttering charge can upend your life, and we provide a defense focused on protecting your rights and future. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive representation for every client.
Case Results in Fraud and Forgery Defense
While specific results for uttering in Bergen County are not publicly verifiable, our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in complex fraud and white-collar cases across our service areas. These results demonstrate our capability to handle intricate financial crimes. For example, our team has secured dismissals and charge reductions in cases involving alleged financial document fraud.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Uttering Lawyer Near Me Bergen County
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack. We represent individuals from Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. Our office is accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 455-5120
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24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Uttering Charges in Bergen County
What is the difference between forgery and uttering?
It depends. Forgery (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1) is the act of making or altering a written instrument with intent to defraud. Uttering is the separate act of passing, using, or attempting to use that forged instrument, knowing it is fake, with the same intent. You can be charged with one or both.
Can an uttering charge be dropped?
Yes. An experienced uttering lawyer Bergen County can work to get charges dropped by challenging the evidence, proving a lack of intent, or showing you had no knowledge the document was forged. Early intervention with the prosecutor is often key.
What are common defenses to an uttering charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge (you didn’t know it was forged), lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, insufficiency of evidence, and violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest.
Is uttering a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. Uttering is always at least a third-degree crime in New Jersey, which is classified as an indictable offense (felony). Aggravating factors can elevate it to a second-degree crime with more severe penalties.
How do I find an affordable uttering lawyer Bergen County?
Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation. We offer transparent fee structures and work with clients to provide effective defense representation that considers their financial situation while protecting their legal rights.
Related Legal Information
If you are dealing with other legal matters in Bergen County, our firm can help. Learn more about business law, contract disputes, or federal criminal defense. For a broader view of our services, visit our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Atlantic County and Camden County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal advice regarding your uttering charge.