What is uttering?

Uttering, an offense that is somewhat similar to counterfeiting, is defined as an individual who utters and publishes a deed, record, instrument, or other specific writing that is forged, altered, counterfeit, or otherwise false and who does so knowing that the instrument is forged, fake, or counterfeit with the intent to defraud or injure.

Examples of uttering

An example of uttering a forged instrument would be an underage person who uses a fake driver’s license or other form of identification in order to get into a bar that serves alcohol. However, you do not have to actually create the forged instrument to be charged with uttering, which simply means using the counterfeit.

Penalties for uttering

The crime of Uttering Forged Instruments is a Third Degree Felony in Florida and is punishable by up to five (5) years in prison, five (5) years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.

Uttering Forged Instruments is assigned a Level 1 offense severity ranking under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code. A judge may sentence a person convicted of Uttering Forged Instruments to probation, but may also impose a sentence up to the statutory maximum of five years in prison.

If you have been convicted of uttering in Miami, then you may want to call an experienced criminal defense attorney for legal advice.