Understanding Forgery
Forgery can come in many forms and can involve a variety of different types of documents. For example, forging a signature on a check is a common type of forgery, as is creating a fake driver’s license or passport. Despite the many different types of forgery, all share the common element of fraudulent intent.
Investigation and Federal Statutes of Forgery
Forgery cases are typically investigated by local law enforcement agencies, such as the police or sheriff’s department. However, if the forgery involves federal documents, such as passports or currency, or crosses state lines, federal agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the U.S. Secret Service may become involved.
The federal statutes related to forgery are found in Title 18 of the United States Code. Various sections deal with different types of forgery. For instance, 18 U.S.C. § 471 addresses the forgery of currency, 18 U.S.C. § 495 covers forgery related to court documents and proceedings, and 18 U.S.C. § 1543 deals with passport forgery.
The penalties for forgery vary widely depending on the specific nature of the forgery and the laws that have been violated. For example, under federal law, forgery of currency or securities can result in a fine, up to 20 years in prison, or both. However, the actual sentence can vary depending on various factors including the amount of financial loss caused by the forgery, the defendant’s criminal history, and others. For accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to consult a legal professional or the most recent version of the federal statutes.
US Sentencing Guidelines for Forgery
The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) establish a baseline for sentences related to forgery offenses. The base offense level for forgery is typically determined by the nature of the underlying offense and the amount of loss caused by the forgery. For example, if the forgery is related to theft or fraud, the base offense level would be 7, according to USSG §2B1.1.
Loss Amounts and Enhancements
The base offense level can be increased depending on the dollar value of the loss associated with the crime, as follows:
- Loss greater than $50,000 but less than $100,000: Add 8 levels
- Loss greater than $100,000 but less than $200,000: Add 10 levels
- Loss greater than $200,000 but less than $400,000: Add 12 levels
- Loss greater than $400,000 but less than $1,000,000: Add 14 levels
Additional Enhancements
Several specific offense characteristics can lead to enhancements in the sentencing level for forgery:
Role in the Offense: If the defendant had an organizing, leading, managing, or supervising role in the criminal activity, the offense level may be increased by 2 to 4 levels, according to USSG §3B1.1.
Use of Sophisticated Means: If the offense involved sophisticated means, such as complex or especially intricate offense conduct pertaining to the execution or concealment of the offense, the offense level may be increased by 2 levels, as per USSG §2B1.1(b)(10)(C).
Potential Sentence
The total offense level, which includes the base offense level and any applicable enhancements, is used in conjunction with the USSG sentencing table to determine the potential sentence. For example, a first-time offender with a total offense level of 21 (base level 7, loss amount increase of 10, role in offense increase of 2, and use of sophisticated means increase of 2) and a criminal history category of I would have a guideline imprisonment range of 37 to 46 months.
These calculations are approximations, and actual sentences can vary based on various factors including the court’s discretion, the presence of other mitigating or aggravating factors, and statutory minimum and maximum penalties. It’s recommended to consult with a legal professional or the most recent version of the USSG for the most accurate and current information.