A conviction for felony forgery can result in up to three years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and victim restitution.
PC 470 crimes may be charged as felonies or as misdemeanors depending on the value of the item forged or the amount of loss to the victim. For example, forgery of a seal with a value over $950 is charged as a felony and forgery of a seal with a value under $950 dollars is charged as a misdemeanor (PC 470(c).
Forgery – Penal Code 470 PC Similarly, forgery is a specific intent crime because defendants must intend to defraud someone by falsely creating or altering a document with the intention of passing it off as genuine. The specific intent, in this case, is to deceive another person.
The basic elements of California forgery law – PC 470 In order to convict you of violating forgery laws, the prosecution must prove two elements: You falsely signed, made, or materially altered a writing covered by the forgery statutes; and. You did so intending to commit fraud.
The first two degrees are felonies and the third degree amounts to a misdemeanor. The first degree forgery involves the actual presentation or use of any falsely made, altered or possessed document with the intent to deceive or defraud. The second degree forgery does not require use or presentation of the documents.
California Penal Code Section 115 PC: Filing A False Document. Filing a False Document under California Penal Code Section 115 PC makes it a felony to file any forged or false document with a public office.
Penalties If charged as a misdemeanor, the defendant can be sentenced to up to a year in jail, restitution to the victim and substantial court fines. If charged as a felony, the defendant can potentially be sentenced to up to three years in prison, in addition to fines and restitution.
Under our law, a person is guilty of Forgery in the First Degree when, with intent to defraud, deceive or injure another, he or she falsely makes, completes or alters a written instrument which is or purports to be or which is calculated to become or to represent if completed (specify appropriate instrument as set ...
What to do After Being Charged with Forgery Contact a California Defense Attorney. Your defense lawyer can also explain the charges and potential penalties so you can fully understand what to expect. Stay Calm and Cooperative. Document Whenever Possible. Crimes Associated with Forgery.
What are the three types of forgery? Three common types of forgery are signature forgery, art forgery, and document forgery. Each of these types of forgery involves different methods of creating or altering documents, signifiers, and objects with the intent to deceive.