I work as an in-house accountant in a large business. I was short on my rent again this month and have been using some of the business cheques to pay my own bills. I did not think anyone would notice as the office is pretty disorganised and they spend money left, right and centre anyway. Now I am worried I might be charged with forging cheques. Is it very serious?
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Answer by LegalEagle™ staff, Bronte 2024 NSW
- Forging a cheque is a serious offence that carries a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years in some states and territories.
- Forgery refers to an offence where you adapt or imitate a document with the intent to defraud another party and to make a financial gain dishonestly. A document includes a cheque.
- There are usually different offences and penalties for making, using and possessing a forged document.
- The crime of making a forged document is very serious. You should seek legal advice as soon as possible to work out how you can pay back the money you have stolen.