Forgery is typically defined as fraudulent making, creation or altering of a written document, with the intent to harm the interests of another or to fraudulently make a profit. Many documents can be forged, including:

• airplane tickets
• corporation stock certificates
• deeds
• prescriptions
• wills
• contracts
• stamps
• money and bonds
• bank bills, checks, drafts, or promissory notes
• corporate documents

Counterfeiting is the crime of making an unauthorized imitation of a genuine article, typically money, with the intent to deceive or defraud.

Counterfeiting and other crimes of forgery requires fraudulent intent; it is not forgery to sign another's name, fill in blanks, or alter a genuine writing in the honest, though mistaken, belief that such conduct is authorized.

Penalties for counterfeiting and other crimes of forgery are subject to severe penalties, including up to 15 years of incarceration, heavy fines, restitution, and other penalties. If you are facing investigation, arrest, or criminal charges for counterfeiting or forgery, please contact Anchor Criminal Defense for a free consultation.