FORGERY
The creation of a false written document or alter-
ation of a genuine one, with the intent to defraud.
Forgery consists of filling in blanks on a doc-
ument containing a genuine signature, or mate-
rially altering or erasing an existing instrument.
An underlying intent to defraud, based on
knowledge of the false nature of the instrument,
must accompany the act. Instruments of forgery
may include bills of exchange, bills of lading,
promissory notes, checks, bonds, receipts, orders
for money or goods, mortgages, discharges of
mortgages, deeds, public records, account
books, and certain kinds of tickets or passes for
transportation or events. Statutes define forgery
