District Of Columbia § 22-3242 - Penalties for forgery.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 22-3242 — Penalties for forgery., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-3242. Penalties for forgery.
22-3242Any person convicted of forgery shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both, if the written instrument purports to be:
A stamp, legal tender, bond, check, or other valuable instrument issued by a domestic or foreign government or governmental instrumentality;
A stock certificate, bond, or other instrument representing an interest in or claim against a corporation or other organization of its property;
A public record, or instrument filed in a public office or with a public servant;
A written instrument officially issued or created by a public office, public servant, or government instrumentality;
A check which upon its face appears to be a payroll check;
A deed, will, codicil, contract, assignment, commercial instrument, or other instrument which does or may evidence, create, transfer, terminate, or otherwise affect a legal right, interest, obligation, or status; or
A written instrument having a value of $10,000 or more.
Any person convicted of forgery shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in or imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both, if the written instrument is or purports to be:
A token, fare card, public transportation transfer certificate, or other article manufactured for use as a symbol of value in place of money for the purchase of property or services;
A prescription of a duly licensed physician or other person authorized to issue the same for any controlled substance or other instrument or devices used in the taking or administering of controlled substances for which a prescription is required by law; or
A written instrument having a value of $1,000 or more.
Any person convicted of forgery shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in or imprisoned for not more than 3 years, or both, in any other case.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 22-3242
What does D.C. Code § 22-3242 cover?
Section 22-3242 ("Penalties for forgery.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 22-3242?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 22-3242" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 22-3242 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.