§ 5-37-201 - Forgery. - Arkansas Statutes

5-37-201. Forgery.

(a) A person forges a written instrument if, with purpose to defraud, the person makes, completes, alters, counterfeits, possesses, or utters any written instrument that purports to be or is calculated to become or to represent if completed the act of a person who did not authorize that act.

(b) A person commits forgery in the first degree if he or she forges a written instrument that is:

(1) Money, a security, a postage or revenue stamp, or other instrument issued by a government; or

(2) A stock, bond, or similar instrument representing an interest in property or a claim against a corporation or its property.

(c) A person commits forgery in the second degree if he or she forges a written instrument that is:

(1) A deed, will, codicil, contract, assignment, check, commercial instrument, credit card, or other written instrument that does or may evidence, create, transfer, terminate, or otherwise affect a legal right, interest, obligation, or status;

(2) A public record, or an instrument filed or required by law to be filed, or an instrument legally entitled to be filed in a public office or with a public servant; or

(3) A written instrument officially issued or created by a public office, public servant, or government agent.

(d) Forgery in the first degree is a Class B felony.

(e) Forgery in the second degree is a Class C felony.