In Illinois, you commit forgery when, you knowingly with intent to defraud:
(1) Make a false document or alter any document to make it false and that document is apparently capable of defrauding another; or
(2) Issue or deliver such document knowing it had been made false; or
(3) Possesses, with intent to issue or deliver, any such document knowing it had been made false; or
(4) Unlawfully use a digital signature; or
(5) Unlawfully create another person’s electronic signature.
See 720 ILCS 5/17-3.
Under the law, “with intent to defraud” means you acted knowingly with the specific intent to deceive or cheat to cause financial loss to another or bring some financial gain to yourself. This includes intending to cause another to assume, create, transfer, alter or terminate any right, obligation or power with reference to any person or property.
A “false document” includes a document whose contents are false in some material way, or that purports to have been made by another or at another time, or with different provisions, or by authority of one who did not give such authority.
If you are charged with forgery, contact a criminal law attorney immediately. An attorney can review your case for its best possible defense. As with most crimes, the state must prove all the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Can the state prove it was you who created or altered the document? Did you act knowingly? Did you know the document was false when you delivered it? Was the document apparently capable of defrauding someone or was it obviously false? Was the document false in some major way? Were you knowingly trying to cheat someone? Did you use a digital signature unlawfully?
Even if the evidence against you is overwhelming, an attorney who is respected in the courthouse may be able to negotiate a more favorable plea bargain than you could on your own.
If you have questions about this or another related Illinois criminal or traffic matter, please contact Matt Keenan at 847-568-0160 or email matt@mattkeenanlaw.com.
Reference: People v. Davis.
(Besides Skokie, Matt Keenan also serves the communities of Arlington Heights, Chicago, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Glenview, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Wilmette and Winnetka.)
