One of the more common theft crimes an individual can commit is the act of Forgery. Forgery, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is defined under section 4101 of the Pa criminal code. fraud It states that an individual commits the act of forgery if they do any of the flowing with the intent to defraud or injure another: alter a document or any financial instrument without authority to do so; create, make or complete any fake document or financial instrument; use or present a forged document or other forged item for payment or some type of exchange. In the statute, the documents or instruments they are referring to include a whole host of different items such as wills, deeds, or checks. In this case, the “injury” to the other individual does not mean a physical injury. Typically, the injury the other individual suffers is a financial one. There are a lot of different ways an individual can commit the act of forgery. Cashing an altered check, altering the amount on the check, or signing another person’s name on a check are fairly common examples of forgery. In these examples, an individual intends to alter the financial instrument to obtain property that did not belong to them. This would constitute fraud or injury to the victim.
Due to the varying circumstances around the act of theft crimes such as forgery, it can be graded as both misdemeanors or felonies. It is felony of the second degree when it involves instruments used by the government such as paper money. college drinking crimes It is a felony of the third degree when the forgery involves instruments that effect a legal relationship such as wills or deeds. These instruments, if forged, will affect the legal relationship between people. Finally, all other cases of forgery are graded as misdemeanors of the first degree. This would typically involve the cases where the individual tries to alter a check in some way. Due to the fact that a case of forgery can range in grade from a misdemeanor of the first degree to a felony of the second degree, the penalties that can range from up to five to ten years incarcerated. It is important that if you have been charged with a violation under this section, to seek legal representation. The attorneys at The Bellwoar Kelly, LLPare experienced attorneys who will fight to get the best possible resolution given the facts of your case.
