Georgia Forgery Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated March 21, 2018
Forgery is a crime that involves the production or alteration of a document used to deceive someone. Forged checks, identification cards, contracts, or works of art have been used in a variety of schemes to defraud others. Georgia forgery laws punish the production, possession, and utterance of forged documents.
Intent Issues
Only those intentionally using forgeries are punished. If, for example, you purchased a forged concert ticket thinking it was genuine you would not be guilty of forgery. On the other hand, if you purchased a ticket knowing it was forged and got caught with it, or got caught trying to pass it off, you would be guilty of forgery, even if you weren't involved in producing the fake.
Statute | Georgia Code, Title 16, Chapter 9, Forgery and Fraudulent Practices |
Degrees of Forgery | Georgia forgery laws punish a person who, with intent to defraud:
|
Penalties | Georgia forgery laws are punished as follows:
|
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Related Resources
If you would like to learn more about forgery and Georgia forgery laws, the following links provide additional information:
Get Legal Help with Your Forgery Case in Georgia
Intent and knowledge issues are common in forgery cases. These sorts of issues are notoriously difficult to litigate and the assistance of a qualified professional can significantly impact your chances of successfully defending yourself. If you've been charged under Georgia forgery laws, it's in your best interest to contact a local criminal defense attorney for help defending against the charges.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.