Is It Forgery if I Sign for Someone With Their Permission?

Forgery is a serious white-collar crime that can have lasting consequences for individuals and businesses alike. Whether the alleged offense involves a signature on a contract, the alteration of a financial document, or the creation of counterfeit instruments, understanding how forgery is defined under both Pennsylvania and federal law is crucial for anyone facing such charges.

The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team has extensive experience in this arena. Contact our offices today at 888-535-3686 for help or schedule a consultation online.

What Is Forgery Under Pennsylvania Law?

Pennsylvania law defines forgery as an act committed with the intent to defraud or injure another person, or with knowledge of facilitating a fraud or injury. Specifically, a person is guilty of forgery if they:

• Alter any writing of another without authority.
• Make, complete, execute, authenticate, issue, or transfer any writing so that it purports to be the act of another who did not authorize it, or to have been executed at a time, place, or sequences other than what was in fact the face, or to be a copy of an original when no such original existed.
• Utter any writing which they know to be forged in the manner described above.

The term “writing” is broadly interpreted and includes printed documents, money, coins, stamps, credit cards, electronic signatures, and other symbols of value or identification. Though, signature forgery is the most common form of this crime.

Penalties for forgery in PA depend on the nature of the document involved:

• Felony of the second degree: If the forgery involves government-issued instruments, securities, or stock.
• Felony of the third degree: If it involves legal documents such as wills, contracts, or commercial instruments.
• Misdemeanor of the first degree: For all other types of forgery.

What Is Forgery Under Federal Law?

At the federal level, forgery is defined as the making, altering, using, or possessing of a false document or material with the specific intent to commit fraud. This includes forging or counterfeiting any obligation or security of the United States, such as currency, government bonds, or official identification.

The key elements of federal forgery include:

• Intent to defraud: The perpetrator must have a deliberate aim to deceive for personal gain or to cause harm.
• Material alteration or creation. The document must be materially changed or falsely made to appear authentic.
• Legal significance: The document must have the potential to affect legal rights or obligations.

Federal penalties for forgery can be severe, with sentences of up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines, especially when the offense impacts interstate commerce or involves federal interests.

How the LLF Law Firm Can Help

The consequences of a forgery conviction can be life-altering, including imprisonment, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is a highly experienced and aggressive team for individuals accused of white-collar crimes, including forgery. If you are accused of forgery, whether in PA or federally, you need a strong defense. Contact our offices today at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online.