The Legal Dictionary defines forgery as a criminal act in which someone falsifies or fabricates writing, art, documents, or other objects with intention to deceive another person or entity.
We don’t see a lot of forgery crimes on the news, but forgery is actually more common today than ever. This is all thanks to 20th century technology and the internet.
Common acts of forgery include:
Federal forgery is the most prosecuted type of forgery. Examples include falsifying or altering:
That fake I.D. you had in high school could’ve landed you a hefty fine and night in jail.
When the subject of forgery is currency, it’s called counterfeit.
The intent to deceive must exist in any crime of forgery. For example, a person cannot be charged with forgery if they aren’t aware the object in their possession is false. Claiming ignorance doesn’t always work, though. A common example is your boss asking you to sign their name on a package because they’re too busy to do it themselves.
Forgery is a felony is all 50 states. In every state, the crime depends on what has been forged and the intent. Punishment is often left in the hands of the judge. Judges consider:
If you’ve charged with forgery, it’s vital to contact a lawyer immediately. Legal experts can determine whether your forgery was a misdemeanor and what degree it’s classified in. Contact Nava Law, and we’ll fight to dismiss or reduce your charges.
