Arrest, Search, Seizure, Warrant I was arrested for CPFI

[aljr]

I was arrested for trying to use forged Traveler's Checks. I received them in the mail from an address in California, and believed them to be a prize from an internet contest that I supposedly had won, notified via email. I later found another email stating that I would receive the Checks, to deposit in my bank account and send to an overseas address, via Western Union, after I withheld 10% "for my troubles". I was arrested at a Wal-Mart; I checked online and was sure that the Checks were real. I was charged with Criminal Possesion of a Forged Instrument, which is a felony. I was released on OR, and my court date is Friday. Do I need a lawyer to represent me, or is this something that will get bumped down to a misdomeanor if I go by myself?

 

[mafioso]

I have seen too many people victims of this internet scam. It is known to the FBI as 419 scam. You definitely need a lawyer who might have some experience with such scams. These scams have been on TV recently due to the increase in volume. You would need to call the FBI hotline………..they have advice for victims and can tell you more about what to preserve to get the charges dropped. Contact them ASAP and tell them what happened…..They would sometimes even work with you to get the real guys………..The sad think is the real culprits are out of the US. There are some websites which explain and advice people to watch out for such scams. Use Google and see some of the sites online. Keep all the evidence and you would be okay. Read my past treads there was a similar case I addressed with the past two months……there might be some updates which might help you there. Just don't talk to the cops without your lawyers consent……If you have never been arrested or have no priors you would be okay if you have all emails and correspondences with these guys. If there is nothing to show you knew it was a scam, chances are the charge would get dropped. If you can't afford a lawyer a PD would be appointed..............plead not guilty and evaluate the options with your lawyer.