Kansas Forgery Laws
In Kansas, to convict you of forgery, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1. You made, altered, delivered, or possessed a written document or "instrument" in a way such that it appears as though it has been made by another person (fictitious or real).
2. You did so with an intent to defraud (gain financial benefit).
This applies to forged checks, credit cards, or other document. If you are convicted you could face seven to twenty-three months in prison as well fines and etc.
The following is the Kansas Statute for Forgery K.S.A. 21-3710
Chapter 21: Crimes And Punishments
PART II.--PROHIBITED CONDUCT
Article 37: Crimes Against Property
Statute 21-3710: Forgery. (a) Forgery is knowingly and with intent to defraud:
(1) Making, altering or endorsing any written instrument in such manner that it purports to have been made, altered or endorsed by another person, either real or fictitious, and if a real person without the authority of such person; or altering any written instrument in such manner that it purports to have been made at another time or with different provisions without the authority of the maker thereof; or making, altering or endorsing any written instrument in such manner that it purports to have been made, altered or endorsed with the authority of one who did not give such authority;
(2) issuing or delivering such written instrument knowing it to have been thus made, altered or endorsed; or
(3) possessing, with intent to issue or deliver, any such written instrument knowing it to have been thus made, altered or endorsed.
(b) (1) Forgery is a severity level 8, nonperson felony.
(2) On a first conviction of a violation of this section, in addition to any other sentence imposed, a person shall be fined the lesser of the amount of the forged instrument or $500.
(3) On a second conviction of a violation of this section, a person shall be required to serve at least 30 days' imprisonment as a condition of probation, and fined the lesser of the amount of the forged instrument or $1,000.
(4) On a third or subsequent conviction of a violation of this section, a person shall be required to serve at least 45 days' imprisonment as a condition of probation, and fined the lesser of the amount of the forged instrument or $2,500.
(5) The person convicted shall not be eligible for release on probation, suspension or reduction of sentence or parole until the person has served the mandatory sentence as provided herein.
(c) In any prosecution under this section, it may be alleged in the complaint or information that it is not known whether a purported person is real or fictitious, and in such case there shall be a rebuttable presumption that such purported person is fictitious.
History: L. 1969, ch. 180, § 21-3710; L. 1972, ch. 118, § 1; L. 1984, ch. 119, § 6; L. 1992, ch. 239, § 108; L. 1993, ch. 291, § 70; L. 2001, ch. 186, § 1; July 1.
If you have been accused of Forgery, contact our criminal defense law firm, to speak with an experienced attorney. We have helped defend many clients accused of forgery and other financial crimes. Forgery is a serious felony which requires a skilled lawyer to zealously defend you.