Forgery Charges in South Carolina 
If you are charged with forgery in South Carolina you should contact a South Carolina criminal defense lawyer right away. Forgery is a theft crime, that can have dire consequences and look bad on a criminal background check if you are looking for a job.
South Carolina forgery charges
Elements of forgery – According to South Carolina Statute forgery is, when a person intends to defraud another and;
- Makes, or forges, or counterfeits any document or financial instrument
- Uses or presents a forged document or other forged item with the knowledge that that document is forged or
- Facilitates or assists in the making or altering of a document or instrument
Classifications of forgery – Whether forgery is considered a misdemeanor or felony will depend on the circumstances of the alleged crime, and the monetary value of the fraud in question.
Misdemeanor forgery
- Forged amount is less than $10,000
- The forged item does not have a determinable monetary value
Felony Forgery
- The amount in question involves more than $10,000
Punishment for forgery crimes – If a defendant is convicted of forgery, whether a misdemeanor or felony, jail time is a possible punishment. Below are just a few examples:
- For the forgery of college transcript or college diploma – up to 1 year in prison and up to a $1000 fine.
- Forgery with no monetary value – up to 3 years in prison and a fine to be determined by the judge.
- Forgery less than $10,000 – Up to 5 years in prison and a fine to be determined by the judge.
- Forgery more than $10,000 (Felony forgery) – Up to 10 years in person and a fine determined by the judge.
If you need a criminal defense lawyer in York South Carolina or if you need a criminal defense lawyer in Lancaster South Carolina, contact Gilles Law. South Carolina criminal defense attorneys can help you fight your charges and get you the best result possible.