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Can you summarize MTCO 45-6-325?
Theft and Related Offenses > Forgery
Short Summary
The provided legal document pertains to the offense of forgery. It states that a person commits forgery when they knowingly make or alter a document or object with the purpose to defraud another. This includes issuing or delivering such documents, possessing them with the intent to issue or deliver, or possessing devices specifically designed for forging written instruments. The document defines ‘purpose to defraud’ as the intention to cause another person to assume, create, transfer, alter, or terminate any right, obligation, or power related to a person or property. It also clarifies that a document or object capable of being used to defraud another includes those that create, transfer, alter, or terminate any right, obligation, or power. The penalties for forgery vary based on the value of the property, labor, or services involved. The document specifies different fines and imprisonment terms for first, second, third, and subsequent offenses based on the value of the forgery. There are no exemptions mentioned in the document.
Whom does it apply to?
Any person who commits the offense of forgery
What does it govern?
Forgery
What are exemptions?
No exemptions are mentioned.
What are the Penalties?
The penalties for forgery vary based on the value of the property, labor, or services obtained or attempted to be obtained. For offenses where the value does not exceed $1,500, a person may be fined up to $500 for a first offense, fined up to $500 or imprisoned for up to 6 months for a second offense, and fined up to $500 and imprisoned for a minimum of 5 days or up to 1 year for a third or subsequent offense. For offenses where the value exceeds $1,500 but does not exceed $5,000, a person may be fined up to $1,500 or imprisoned for up to 3 years for a first offense, fined up to $1,500 or imprisoned for up to 5 years for a second offense, and imprisoned for a minimum of 2 years or up to 5 years and fined up to $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense. For offenses where the value exceeds $5,000 or is part of a common scheme, a person may be fined up to $10,000 or imprisoned for up to 10 years.
Jurisdiction
Montana