A woman accused of forging a Judge’s signature in order to process adoption papers has told the Supreme Court she wants a lawyer. 

Vinetta Lagoto Lapana of Tapueleele Savai’i and Vailima appeared in the court this week. 

She is facing eight counts of forgery and obtained by decision. 

Before she could enter a plea, Ms. Lapana asked the court if she can have her matter adjourned for four weeks to find a lawyer. 

Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma granted her request but only for two weeks. 

He adjourned the matter to 26 October for the defendant to find a lawyer to represent her. 

Ms. Lapana resides in Vailele and is being released on bail with conditions to sign at a Police post every week. 

She is facing charges of forgery and obtained by deception in relation to allegations of making a false document, namely an order of adoption for two different people.

It is alleged that she obtained $2,600 in the cause of processing the application for one of the adoption papers.

She allegedly forged the signature of District Court Judge, Talasa Atoa Saaga.

The accused was a former legal assistant for one of the private law firms.