Which statement best distinguishes felony versus misdemeanor forgery?

Which statement best distinguishes felony versus misdemeanor forgery?

• A. Felony forgery involves a written instrument such as a deed, contract, credit card, or public record; misdemeanor forgery involves the making or altering of such an instrument with the same intent but is classified as a lesser offense.
• B. Misdemeanor forgery requires no written instrument.
• C. Felony forgery does not require intent to defraud.
• D. Misdemeanor forgery is identical to felony forgery in all respects.

Answer: (A)

The difference between felony and misdemeanor forgery hinges on the seriousness tied to the instrument involved and the resulting charge. Forgery generally requires making or altering a written instrument with the intent to defraud. When the act involves especially important or high-value writings—such as deeds, contracts, credit cards, or public records—it meets the threshold for a felony, carrying harsher penalties. If the same fraudulent act targets a writing but is deemed less serious, it is charged as a misdemeanor, a lesser offense even though the intent to defraud remains. This fits the idea that both acts revolve around fraudulent writing, but the classified severity differs. The other statements don’t fit: forgery typically involves a written instrument; intent to defraud is a key element; and the two offenses are not identical in severity or punishment.

The difference between felony and misdemeanor forgery hinges on the seriousness tied to the instrument involved and the resulting charge. Forgery generally requires making or altering a written instrument with the intent to defraud. When the act involves especially important or high-value writings—such as deeds, contracts, credit cards, or public records—it meets the threshold for a felony, carrying harsher penalties. If the same fraudulent act targets a writing but is deemed less serious, it is charged as a misdemeanor, a lesser offense even though the intent to defraud remains. This fits the idea that both acts revolve around fraudulent writing, but the classified severity differs. The other statements don’t fit: forgery typically involves a written instrument; intent to defraud is a key element; and the two offenses are not identical in severity or punishment.