Types of Forgery and Punishments in North Carolina
There are many ways that an individual can commit the crime of forgery, and the punishment will depend on the type of forgery crime committed. Here are common offenses and the penalties if convicted:
Forged Instruments
If a person creates, alters, or possesses a forged instrument, the crime is a Class I felony. The punishment is a fine of 4 to 10 months in prison, a fine to be set by the judge, or both.
The penalty is more serious if an individual is convicted of transporting five or more forged documents. This crime is a Class G felony that carries a penalty of 4 to 25 months in prison and a fine.
Wills, Deeds, and Leases
Forging a will, lease, deed, or other similar document is a Class H felony. The penalty is five to 20 months in prison, a fine, or both.
Corporate Securities
Creating, altering, or possessing a forged corporate security would be charged as a Class I felony. If convicted, a person faces the same penalties as for a forged instrument crime.
Educational Certificates
If the forgery involves educational certificates, the crime would also be charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, the punishment would also be less severe—up to 45 days in jail and a fine.
Uttering a Forged Instrument
Uttering a forged document involves cashing, transferring, endorsing, or otherwise using a forged instrument. It is a Class H felony and has the same potential penalty as forging a will, lease, or deed.
Selling a Forged Item
Selling or transferring a forged item for cash or other items of value is also a Class H felony. The punishment would be the same as for the other Class H felonies listed above.
Related Links: |