Colorado defines the crime of forgery as:
- If, with intent to defraud, the person falsely makes, completes, alters, or utters a written instrument which is or purports to be, or which is calculated to become or to represent if completed: Part of an issue of money, stamps, securities, or other valuable instruments issued by a government or government agency; or
- Part of an issue of stock, bonds, or other instruments representing interests in or claims against a corporate or other organization or its property; or
- Part of an issue of stock, bonds, or other instruments representing interests in or claims against a corporate or other organization or its property; or A deed, will, codicil, contract, assignment, commercial instrument, promissory note, check, or other instrument which does or may evidence, create, transfer, terminate, or otherwise affect a legal right, interest, obligation, or status; or
- A public record or an instrument filed or required by law to be filed or legally fileable in or with a public office or public servant; or
- A written instrument officially issued or created by a public office, public servant, or government agency; or
- Part of an issue of tokens, transfers, certificates, or other articles manufactured and designed for use in transportation fees upon public conveyances, or as symbols of value usable in place of money for the purchase of property or services available to the public for compensation; or
- Part of an issue of lottery tickets or shares designed for use in the lottery; or
- A document-making implement that may be used or is used in the production of a false identification document or in the production of another document-making implement to produce false identification documents.
- Forgery is a class 5 felony.
Possible defenses to a forgery charge include not having the intent to deceive the other party or lack of knowledge of the alleged forged instrument. If you are charged with forgery, contact Sawyer Legal Group, we will fight to protect your rights.
