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Last updated: Aug 9, 2017
Forgery Charges in NJ – N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1a
Last updated: Aug 9, 2017
Written By:
Adam H. RosenblumYour Dedicated & Trusted Legal Team
3 Generations & 100+ Years of Combined Legal Experience
What is Forgery?
Forgery is a felony-level crime. New Jersey defines forgery as the crime of creating or altering a document or other instrument without authorization to do so and in order to defraud another person. A person can also be charged for using an item known to be forged even if he/she did not create it. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1a, in order to be convicted of forgery, an individual must have:- altered or changed “any writing of another without his authorization”;
- made, completed, executed, authenticated, issued or transferred “any writing so that it purports to be the act of another who did not authorize that act…”; or
- presented “any writing which he knows to be forged in a manner specified” above.
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Documents of title or deeds
- Stocks or bonds
- Checks
- Prescriptions for drugs
- Passports
- Drivers Licenses
- Credit cards
What Is Considered Forgery and What Are the Penalties for Forgery in NJ?
Third-degree forgery: Forgery of the following items is a third-degree felony in New Jersey:- money, securities (such as government bonds), postage, licenses, or other instruments issued by the government;
- corporate securities (such as stocks or bonds), or other instruments representing interest in or claims against property (such as deeds or liens);
- prescription blanks;
- checks;
- personal identification documentation (IDs).
What Should You Do if You Are Charged with Forgery?
If you are being charged with forgery you should act quickly. A conviction of forgery can show up on background checks and seriously hinder your ability to find a job, take a mortgage or loan and even cross the border. Contact The Rosenblum Law today. Our team of New Jersey criminal defense attorneys will work hard to protect your legal rights, fight to keep you out of prison and keep your NJ criminal record clean. E-mail or Call today at 888-815-3649. Adam H. Rosenblum
About The Author
Adam is the founding attorney and principal of Rosenblum Law. With more than two decades of legal experience in numerous areas of law practice, his primary focus is law firm management and business development.
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