TCA 39-14-114
Forgery
What does this charge mean?
This statute makes it illegal to forge a document—meaning to fake, alter, or create a false writing with intent to deceive or harm someone. This includes altering someone else's signature, changing dates on documents, creating fake copies of originals, or possessing forged documents intending to use them. A conviction is a Class E felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison and/or a fine up to $3,000. The penalty depends on the value involved, similar to theft charges.
Penalty Details
(a) A person commits an offense who forges a writing with intent to defraud or harm another. (b) As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) “Forge” means to: (A) Alter, make, complete, execute or authenticate any writing so that it purports to: (i) Be the act of another who did not authorize that act; (ii) Have been executed at a time or place or in a numbered sequence other than was in fact the case; or (iii) Be a copy of an original when no such original existed; (B) Make false entries in books or records; (C) Issue, transfer, register the transfer of, pass, publish, or otherwise utter a writing that is forged within the meaning of subdivision (b)(1)(A); or (D) Possess a writing that is forged within the meaning of subdivision (b)(1)(A) with intent to utter it in a manner specified in subdivision (b)(1)(C); and (2) “Writing” includes printing or any other method of recording information, money, coins, tokens, stamps, seals, credit cards, badges, trademarks, and symbols of value, right, privilege or identification. (c) An offense under this section is punishable as theft pursuant to § 39-14-105, but in no event shall forgery be less than a Class E felony.
Recent Bookings with this Charge
View allBrenan Porter
Madison Co. · Mar 17, 2026
Billy Williams
Hardeman Co. · Mar 16, 2026
Brenan Porter
Knox Co. · Mar 9, 2026
Christopher Cook
McMinn Co. · Mar 8, 2026
Ivan Schleif
Rhea Co. · Mar 8, 2026
Kimberley Brooks
Shelby Co. · Mar 7, 2026
JENNIFER ALLEN
Scott Co. · Mar 4, 2026
Steven Dimmett
Madison Co. · Mar 2, 2026
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