Section 8-601 - Counterfeiting of private instruments and documents.
§ 8-601. Counterfeiting of private instruments and documents.
(a) Prohibited.- A person, with intent to defraud another, may not counterfeit, cause to be counterfeited, or willingly aid or assist in counterfeiting any:
(1) bond;
(2) check;
(3) deed;
(4) draft;
(5) endorsement or assignment of a bond, draft, check, or promissory note;
(6) entry in an account book or ledger;
(7) letter of credit;
(8) negotiable instrument;
(9) power of attorney;
(10) promissory note;
(11) release or discharge for money or property;
(12) title to a motor vehicle;
(13) waiver or release of mechanics' lien; or
(14) will or codicil.
(b) Prohibited - Possession of counterfeit.- A person may not knowingly, willfully, and with fraudulent intent possess a counterfeit of any of the items listed in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Penalty.-
(1) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(2) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(d) Venue.- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the prosecution of an alleged violation of this section or for an alleged violation of a crime based on an act that establishes a violation of this section may be commenced in any county in which:
(1) an element of the crime occurred;
(2) the victim resides; or
(3) if the victim is not an individual, the victim conducts business.
[An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 44(a); 2002, ch. 26, § 2; 2004, ch. 484; 2005, ch. 24.]