Massachusetts § 30 - Alteration, forgery or counterfeiting; penalty
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 30 — Alteration, forgery or counterfeiting; penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 30. Alteration, forgery or counterfeiting; penalty
Section 30. Whoever falsely makes, alters, forges or counterfeits, or procures or assists another to falsely make, forge or counterfeit, a copy of a record of birth, marriage or death, or whoever forges or without authority uses the signature, facsimile of the signature, or validating signature stamp of a city or town clerk, or the state registrar upon a genuine or falsely made, altered, forged or counterfeited copy of such a record, or whoever utters, publishes as true or in any way makes use of a falsely made, altered, forged or counterfeited copy of such a record, or whoever uses, attempts to use, with intent to defraud or deceive, a copy of a record of the birth or marriage of a person other than himself, shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months in a house of correction.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 30
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 30 cover?
Section 30 ("Alteration, forgery or counterfeiting; penalty") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts § 30?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 30" (Massachusetts). 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 Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 30 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.