Forgery: penalties in each state
Making or altering a document, such as a cheque, will or contract, with intent to deceive.
What to look for: The kind of document often decides the grade.
These are statutory ranges for a first offence, from the least to the most the law allows. A court decides the actual sentence in each case. Not legal advice.
9 states covered so far
Arizona
1 to 3.75 years (Class 4), or 2 to 8.75 years (Class 3) in a narrow case
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (Class 4 felony)
- Least
- 1 year
- Most
- 3.75 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to $150,000
A first offence: usual term 2.5 years, between 1.5 and 3 years; 1 year if mitigated and 3.75 years if aggravated (§ 13-702). It is a Class 3 felony if the forged instrument is used in connection with buying, leasing or renting a dwelling used as a drop house.
Forgery used to buy or rent a drop house (Class 3 felony)
- Least
- 2 years
- Most
- 8.75 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to $150,000
A first offence: usual term 3.5 years, between 2.5 and 7 years; 2 years if mitigated and 8.75 years if aggravated (§ 13-702).
California
Up to 1 year (small cheque or note) to 16 months to 3 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of a cheque, note or similar instrument of small value (Misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fine
- Fine of up to $1,000
For a cheque, bond, note or money order not over the statutory small-value limit. A felony term may apply to a person with certain prior convictions.
Forgery (Wobbler: felony or misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 1 year in county jail, or a felony term served under § 1170(h) (16 months, 2 or 3 years)
- Fine
- Fine of up to $10,000, where the offence sets no fine (§ 672)
Florida
Up to 5 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of a public record, certificate or similar document (Felony of the third degree)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 5 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to $5,000
Forgery of other documents is covered by other sections of chapter 831, with similar penalties.
Iowa
Up to 2 years (aggravated misdemeanor) to up to 5 years (Class D)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of a will, deed, contract, release or commercial instrument (Aggravated misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 2 years
- Fine
- Fine of $855 to $8,540
Forgery of money, securities, stock or other government or investment instruments (Class D felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 5 years
- Fine
- Fine of $1,025 to $10,245
Maryland
Up to 3 years (misdemeanor forms) up to 10 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (misdemeanor forms) (Misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 3 years, and a fine of up to $1,000, or both
- Fine
- Fine of up to $1,000
Forgery (Felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 10 years, and a fine of up to $1,000, or both
- Fine
- Fine of up to $1,000
New York
Up to 364 days (third degree) up to 15 years (first degree)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery in the third degree (Class A misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 364 days in jail
- Fine
- Fine of up to $1,000 (§ 80.05)
Forgery in the second degree (Class D felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 7 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to the higher of $5,000 or double the gain from the crime (§ 80.00)
A non-violent felony carries an indeterminate sentence. The court sets the maximum, and the minimum is at least 1 year and no more than one-third of the maximum (§ 70.00).
Forgery in the first degree (Class C felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- 15 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to the higher of $5,000 or double the gain from the crime (§ 80.00)
A non-violent felony carries an indeterminate sentence. The court sets the maximum, and the minimum is at least 1 year and no more than one-third of the maximum (§ 70.00).
Texas
Up to 1 year (Class A misdemeanor) up to 2 to 10 years (third degree)
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of an ordinary writing (Class A misdemeanor)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fine
- Fine of up to $4,000
Forgery of a will, deed, contract, release or other commercial instrument (State jail felony)
- Least
- 180 days in a state jail
- Most
- 2 years in a state jail
- Fine
- Fine of up to $10,000
Forgery of money, securities, government records and similar instruments (Felony of the third degree)
- Least
- 2 years
- Most
- 10 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to $10,000
Virginia
1 to 10 years, or up to 12 months in jail
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery of a writing (Class 5 felony)
- Least
- 1 year in prison, or no prison term if the court chooses jail instead
- Most
- 10 years, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500
Washington
Up to 5 years
Show the degrees and the statutes
Forgery (Class C felony)
- Least
- No minimum term set by the statute
- Most
- Up to 5 years
- Fine
- Fine of up to $10,000
Other states are being added. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
