Rhode Island Forgery & Fraud Case over Inheritance Dispute
Criminal Charges:
Christine charged in the Rhode Island Superior Court (Providence County) for:
- Forgery and Counterfeiting, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 11-17-1
- Giving False Documents to a Public Official, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 11-18-1
- Fraud or Deceit in Notary Public Office, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 42-30-16
Case Overview:
An elderly couple passed away. The husband died first and was soon after followed by his wife. The couple left behind three adult children: Christine, Jen, and Mike. Christine was the closest with her parents and cared for them in their old age. Once dad passed, she lived with and cared for her mother as well until mom’s passing. After the parents died, the children feuded over the estate. Christine was designated to inherit the most in her parents’ will. This scorned her siblings who sought revenge. The siblings learned that Christine had forged signatures when renewing her respective parents’ handicapped license plates or placards. Armed with this information, they notified Rhode Island State Police, which conducted a thorough investigation that confirmed the siblings’ claims. As a result, Christine was criminally charged with Forgery and Counterfeiting, Giving False Documents to a Public Official, and Fraud or Deceit in Notary Public Office. Once charged, Christine hired Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, to defend her in this matter.
Case Result: Diversion.
Attorney Calcagni successfully applied for Christine to participate in the Rhode Island Superior Court Adult Diversion Program. As a condition of her participation, she must participate in mental health counseling. Providing she does so and is not charged with any new offenses for one year, the charges against her will be dismissed and sealed from public record.