§ 16-20. Forgery.

(a)

A person commits the offense of forgery when, with purpose to defraud, such person knowingly:

(1)

Without authority makes or alters any document or other object apparently capable of being used to defraud another in such manner that it purports to have been made by another or at another time, or with different provisions or of different composition;

(2)

Issues or delivers such document or other object, knowing it to have been thus altered;

(3)

Possesses with the purpose of issuing or delivering any such document or other object, knowing it to have been thus made or altered; or

(4)

Possesses with knowledge of its character any plate, die or other device, apparatus, equipment or article specifically designed for use in counterfeiting or otherwise forging written instruments.

(b)

A purpose to defraud means that the purpose of causing another to assume, create, transfer, alter or terminate any right, obligation or power with reference to any person or property.

(c)

A document or other object capable of being used to defraud includes, but is not limited to, one by which any right, obligation or power with reference to any person or property may be created, transferred, altered or terminated.

(Code 1981, § 9.02.190)

State law reference

Forgery, MCA 45-6-325.