Forgery

PC-1-6

Description: Knowingly possessing, creating, or altering government-issued documents, legal paperwork, or financial instruments with the intent to deceive. This includes falsifying signatures, modifying notarized materials, or counterfeiting official seals and records.

Classification: Felony

Fine: $200

Sentence: 20 months

Applicable Offenses Include:

• Signing the name of another person or a fictitious person.

• Forging or counterfeiting signatures, seals, or handwriting.

• Altering or falsifying legal records such as wills, contracts, or judgments.

• Creating or modifying financial documents such as checks, bonds, or money orders.

• Falsifying government IDs, license plates, passports, or other official documents.

Examples:

• Writing a fake prescription and signing it with a doctor’s name.

• Inserting or modifying pages in a legal will to gain financial benefit.

• Endorsing or cashing a check made out to someone else without their authorization.