If you have been charged with Uttering and Publishing, the prosecutor must prove that you knowingly presented a false, altered, forged, counterfeited or fictitious instrument (e.g., check, money order, credit sales slip) with intent to defraud or cheat. The instrument need not have been accepted as good, and actual loss is not required. Uttering and publishing is a Felony offense which is punishable by up to fourteen years in prison. This charge is most commonly associated with forged and/or fraudulent checks. The maximum penalty for this offense is a felony, and the conviction carries a possible 14 year prison sentence.The most common cases under these statutes involve debit/credit card fraud, forged checks or promissory notes, bad checks, opening a card under a fictitious name, etc. Since these crimes carry such a high sentence of 1 to 14 years in prison, it is important to retain an experienced Criminal Defense Firm to protect your rights. Additionally, if convicted you will be required to pay restitution, and reimburse the victim in the full amount. The experienced attorneys of Garmo & Kiste, PLC have successfully gotten charges such as these modified, reduced, and even dismissed due to our hard work and relationships with prosecutors and other attorneys in the area.