<![CDATA[Public trust constitutes the foundation of the notarial profession because notaries exercise public authority to prepare authentic deeds that establish legal certainty and provide reliable evidentiary value in civil transactions. Despite this important role, notaries increasingly face criminal proceedings involving allegations of authentic deed forgery arising from professional negligence, inaccurate information or fraudulent documents submitted by the parties, or intentional unlawful conduct associated with a transaction. These circumstances create legal uncertainty, threaten the credibility of authentic deeds, and weaken confidence in the notarial institution. This study examines the legal grounds for holding notaries accountable in criminal proceedings involving alleged deed forgery and evaluates the legal mechanisms available to restore their professional status and rights after judicial resolution. The research applies a normative legal method through statutory, conceptual, and doctrinal approaches supported by qualitative analysis of primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials. The findings indicate that notaries must consistently uphold integrity, impartiality, and professional competence in exercising their official authority, while breaches of these obligations may result in administrative sanctions. The analysis further demonstrates that notaries who are acquitted or otherwise legally exonerated should receive effective legal rehabilitation, including the restoration of professional rights and appropriate compensation where justified. The study concludes that a balanced legal framework combining professional accountability with meaningful legal rehabilitation is essential to preserving institutional integrity, strengthening legal certainty, and sustaining public trust in the notarial profession.]]>
