How Does the Illinois Criminal Code Address Forgery?
Forgery is an offense under the Illinois Criminal Code that involves misrepresentation with fraudulent intentions. There are many different types of forgery in Illinois. Depending on the object of forgery in question, the punishment can fluctuate greatly. In most cases, forgery crimes include extended confinement and hefty fines.
What are the Illinois Laws Against Forgery?
720 ILCS 5/17-3 establishes the Illinois laws against forgery. Under this section, a person commits forgery if they demonstrate fraudulent intent and knowingly:
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Creates a false document or alters any document to make it false;
Delivers or uses such a false document, knowing that the document is false;
Possesses a false document with the intention to deliver or use it and knowing that the document is false;
Uses the digital signature of another person unlawfully and without authorization; or
Exploits the signature device of another person unlawfully and without authorization to create a false electronic