Forgery is knowingly producing, possessing, or issuing an altered copy of a document or signature with the intent to defraud another. Depending on the type of material that was falsified, forgery can be charged as either a state or federal crime.

When Is Forgery a State Crime?

In Illinois, a person commits forgery when they:

• Make a false official document, and they know it will deceive another person
• Present or issue a document, knowing it is fake
• Possess an altered document with the intent to use it to defraud someone
• Use someone else's digital signature
• Use someone else's signature device, such as a code, PIN, or private key, to create an electronic signature of that person

At the state-level, forgery can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. If a person forges an academic degree or coin, they can be charged with a misdemeanor and punished by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

If a person forges only one Universal Price Code, they can be charged with a fourth-degree felony. They could spend up to 3 years in prison and face a fine of up to $25,000.

In general, forgery is charged as a third-degree felony. If convicted, a person could be punished by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

When Is Forgery a Federal Crime?

Forgery is a federal crime when the person knowingly creates or possesses false documents such as money, postage stamps, military documents, letters patent, money orders, or other government-related instruments.

Punishments for federal forgery depend on the type of document that was altered. For example, a person who forges letters patent could be fined and/or sent to prison for up to 10 years. Forging postage stamps could be punished by a fine and/or prison sentence of up to 5 years.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Wierenga | Chiapelli Today

If you have been accused of forgery, retain the legal services of an attorney committed to protecting your rights. At Wierenga | Chiapelli, we have years of experience helping individuals through various criminal matters and will provide the legal defense you need.

Call us at (847) 749-1131 or contact us online discuss your case.