{"id":376956,"date":"2018-06-04T16:16:29","date_gmt":"2018-06-04T21:16:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-forgery-and-counterfeiting-laws-1.html"},"modified":"2018-06-06T10:42:17","modified_gmt":"2018-06-06T15:42:17","slug":"virginia-forgery-and-counterfeiting-laws-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-forgery-and-counterfeiting-laws-1.html","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Forgery and Counterfeiting Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Virginia Forgery and Counterfeiting Laws <\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

A drug addict replicates a physician's signature to obtain prescription medication; an opportunist creates a false deed of sale; an employee changes the figures on a check. These are examples of forgery<\/a>, a crime that includes a broad range of activities where the perpetrator intends to deceive a person or entity.<\/p>\r\n

Forgery in Virginia<\/h2>\r\n

Specifically, in Virginia, you commit forgery when you (with the intent to commit fraud<\/a>) create, alter, or use a false document that affects another person's legal rights or responsibilities. To be a "false" document means that the writing was intentionally created or changed in a way that it becomes a misrepresentation<\/a>, giving rise to criminal charges or civil liability.<\/p>\r\n

Counterfeiting in Virginia<\/h2>\r\n

Another form of forgery is counterfeiting<\/a>, which involves a false version of the money (coins, bills, or notes) presently used in Virginia. It's illegal to make fake money and to pass it off or "utter"<\/a> fake money for value.<\/p>\r\n

North Carolina Forgery and Counterfeiting Laws at a Glance<\/h2>\r\n

A lawyer's interpretation is necessary for a complete analysis of any statute. However, it never hurts to know what the law means without having to decipher legal jargon; having explanations in everyday terms and phrases can help. The chart below provides a summary of statutes related to Virginia's forgery and counterfeiting laws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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Penalties and Sentencing<\/b><\/p>\r\n

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Forging public records and uttering a forged public document:<\/p>\r\n

Possible Defenses<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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  • Mistake of fact<\/li>\r\n
  • Lack of intent<\/li>\r\n
  • Consent<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Related Offenses<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n