Felony Forgery

Felony forgery is distinct from other types of fraud in that the person who commits the crime does so with a specific knowing intent to defraud or deceive. Forgery is considered a felony act in all states and is therefore punishable by a minimum 1 year prison term, as well as probation, fines and loss of privileges.

Felony forgery is

• The deceptive creation of anything by hand, type, computer, print or engraving with the intent to defraud
• Modification of an authentic document, such as with fake signatures or misinformation
• Knowingly possessing a forged document or forgery device
• Presenting or offering a forged instrument or one with false information

To be charged with forgery –

• the document or print must look enough like an original to trick a reasonably knowledgeable person
• The item must have some sort of legal significance

Felony Possession of a Forgery Device

A person who knowingly possesses with intent to commit fraud any type of material or device specifically designed or adapted for forgery is guilty of a class 6 felony and faces a minimum of a year in prison.

Credit Card Felony Forgery

A person commits credit card forgery if they alter, make, manufacture, fabricate a credit card, or falsely alters or embosses a credit card, or

If anyone other than the card holder signs the name of a real or fictitious person to a credit card transaction

Credit card forgery is a class 4 felony and is punishable by a minimum of 2 ½ years in prison.

Felony Forgery as Criminal Simulation

Criminal simulation is

• defrauding someone by altering an object so that it appears to have value or alters or
• reproducing materials so they appear genuine
• making or altering a wrapper, label, stamp, cork or cap, or reusing any wrapper, label, stamp, cork or cap prescribed by the liquor control commission.
• talking about or possess any object that is known to be criminally simulated

If loss to the victim is five hundred dollars or more, the crime is a 5th degree felony and is punishable by up to a year in prison, a fine of $2,500.

*The laws and penalties regarding felony classes and offenses vary for each state however Ohio and Arizona law present a fair and clear representation of penal law, and is used in this article to offer a basic understanding of the felony forgery. The information contained in this article should not be construed at legal advice, and those accused of felony forgery should seek legal counsel immediately.