The state of California uses court orders and court documents for a variety of legal reasons. When someone attempts to create and misuse a fraudulent court order, this action is prosecuted under Penal Code 527.
The court treats crimes involving fake court orders as a misdemeanor. A conviction can mean jail time as well as high fines. The Simmrin Law Group can help you fight PC 527 charges to avoid the hefty consequences.
Crimes Involving Fake Court Orders in California
California restricts the way people can use court orders. The term “fake court order” under the law refers to documents that are meant to convince people that they are official court documents.
Individuals face criminal charges for offering to sell or actually selling these documents. It is also illegal to print, publish, or distribute fake court orders. Taking any of the above steps could lead to criminal charges in Los Angeles.
Charges Similar to Crimes Involving Fake Court Orders
Creating or using a fake court order is against the law in California. Other white-collar crime laws resemble PC 527 offenses. A white-collar crime lawyer can provide you with additional information about how to fight charges like:
- Extortion of a signature
- Extortion by means of a threatening letter
- Extortion by a fake court order
Some of these crimes can lead to felony charges, which are more serious than misdemeanors. Felony convictions in California often result in prison time. The prison system is harsher than the jail system in our state. Additionally, individuals convicted of a felony are considered “felons” upon release.
In addition to a potential prison sentence, there are other penalties that can come with a felony conviction which you will not likely face if convicted of a misdemeanor. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a felony conviction is more likely to lead to complications with your immigration status. Additionally, a felony automatically restricts your gun rights.
Outcomes of a Conviction Under PC 527 in Los Angeles
A PC 527 violation is considered a misdemeanor-level offense in California. Individuals convicted of crimes involving a fake court order face serious legal penalties. These penalties can include:
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Up to six months in jail
- Summary probation
The court system treats each crime involving fake court orders as an individual criminal charge.
For example, let’s say that an individual printed three fake court orders and sold each document to a different individual. In this situation, the seller would face three separate PC 527 charges. These charges could each result in six months of jail time and $1,000 in fines.
Fight back against these charges with the Simmrin Law Group.
Does a Conviction Under PC 527 Affect Gun Rights?
Your gun rights should not be affected by a conviction for publishing or selling documents resembling court orders. Any felony conviction in the state of California will result in a lifetime ban on firearm possession, but only select misdemeanor charges affect an individual’s gun rights.
Certain violent misdemeanors, like domestic abuse, can result in firearms restrictions, but Penal Code 527 does not fall in this category.
Defenses Against Crimes Involving Fake Court Orders in California
You do not have to simply accept a conviction if you are charged with a crime involving a fake court document. By contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles, we can help you show that:
- You did not misuse a fake court order
- You did not possess a fake court order
- You were forced to misuse a fake court order
You Did Not Misuse a Fake Court Order
PC 527 specifically forbids printing, publishing, distributing, or selling a fake court order. Note that it does not prohibit the possession of a fake court order. Perhaps you were given one of these documents and did not create it yourself. If you did not make the document or attempt to sell it, you may be able to avoid a criminal conviction.
You Did Not Possess a Fake Court Order
Additionally, PC 527 charges only apply if you are handling a fake court order. If you have an actual court order in your possession, you shouldn’t face a conviction under PC 527. Likewise, you could avoid a conviction if you have a document unrelated to a court order in your possession.
You Were Forced to Misuse a Fake Court Order
If another person forces you into committing a criminal act in the state of California, this is considered “duress.” If someone, for example, threatened your life if you did not print a fake court order for them, a lawyer could help you fight this charge.
Can a Conviction Under PC 527 Be Expunged?
It is possible to get a conviction for a violation of Penal Code 527 expunged from your record. To do so, you must first complete any jail sentence or probation period. You can then petition the court to have your conviction expunged.
Hiring an attorney to help with your petition for expungement will give you the best odds of success. Getting a conviction expunged can have myriad benefits. Criminal convictions can make it difficult to find employment and housing. By getting your conviction expunged, you can avoid these challenges.
Ask a Lawyer About How to Fight a Crime Involving a Fake Court Order
Talk to the Simmrin Law Group today about fighting a Penal Code 527 charge. We can help you take back control and defend yourself against this charge. Reach out to a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles by calling us or filling out our online contact form.
We’re ready to review your situation with a free consultation. Allow us to handle all of your legal needs. We can answer any questions you have about your situation and provide you with legal advice concerning your options and how best to proceed.