Misdemeanor Forgery requires which combination of elements?

• A. Intent to defraud, deceive, or injure a person; and the making, completing, or altering of a written instrument.
• B. Possession of a forged instrument alone.
• C. Verbal misrepresentation only.
• D. Signing a legitimate document under pressure.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that misdemeanor forgery requires both a mental intent and a physical act involving a written document. You must have the intent to defraud, deceive, or injure someone, and you must actually make, complete, or alter a written instrument. Without both elements—intent and the fraudulent writing act—you don’t have misdemeanor forgery.

Why the other possibilities don’t fit: merely possessing a forged instrument isn’t enough to convict of forgery, since the crime centers on the act of making or altering a document with fraudulent intent, not just possession. Verbal misrepresentation involves spoken deceit, but forgery hinges on a written instrument. Signing a legitimate document under pressure lacks the act of creating or altering a forged instrument and the required fraudulent intent.