The charge of forgery can be applied when the defendant in a case falsifies or alters legal documents. Furthermore, if the accused publishes documents that relate to the estate planning of the victim so that the accused receives a greater share, or a share at all, of property/assets of the victim. Other acts of forgery include falsifying documents and information that deal with financial matters, like stocks or property. While this is not a comprehensive list, another commonly understood example of forgery is forging someone else’s handwriting or signature on a document.
If the accused is found guilty, they face either a misdemeanor or felony conviction. If the preconditions for a misdemeanor conviction are met, the guilty party faces probation, payment of fines, and up to one year in a California county jail. However, for a felony conviction, the probation is heightened to formal probation, possible monetary restitution to victims, payment of other fines, and serving up to three years in a county jail.