Forgery is a crime in the state of New Jersey, frequently called a “felony” in other jurisdictions. A person is guilty of forgery if he or she makes, alters, transfers, authenticates or utters any writing with the purpose to defraud or injure anyone. A “writing” is broadly defined in N.J.S. 2C:21-1 to include “printing or any other method of recording information, money, coins, tokens, stamps, seals, credit cards, badges, trademarks, access devices, and other symbols of value, right, privilege, or identification, including retail sales receipts, universal product code (UPC) labels and checks.”
The crime of forgery is heightened to the third degree when the writing involved purports to be a document issued by the government. This means the fabrication of a fake ID can land you with a third degree forgery charge in New Jersey. The possession of a forgery device used to create a forged document, such as a fake ID, is also a separate crime of the third degree.
Third degree crimes, if convicted, come with tough penalties. If convicted of forgery or the possession of a forgery device used to create a forged document in New Jersey, a person can face as much as five years in prison and $15,000 in fines.
If you are facing a forgery charge, contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Villani & DeLuca, P.C. to discuss your case. Call 732-965-3350 for a free initial consultation. A knowledgeable criminal law attorney will be able to review your charges with you in detail and answer any questions you may have. We represent clients throughout Ocean and Monmouth County New Jersey.
