New Hampshire § 638-1 - Section 638:1 Forgery.
Full text of New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 638-1 — Section 638:1 Forgery., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 638-1. Section 638:1 Forgery.
I. A person is guilty of forgery if, with purpose to defraud anyone, or with knowledge that he is facilitating a fraud to be perpetrated by anyone, he: (a) Alters any writing of another without his authority or utters any such altered writing; or (b) Makes, completes, executes, authenticates, issues, transfers, publishes or otherwise utters any writing so that it purports to be the act of another, or purports to have been executed at a time or place or in a numbered sequence other than was in fact the case, or to be a copy of an original when no such original existed. II. As used in this section, "writing" includes printing or any other method of recording information, checks, tokens, stamps, seals, credit cards, badges, trademarks, and other symbols of value, right, privilege, or identification. III. Forgery is a class B felony if the writing is or purports to be: (a) A security, revenue stamp, or any other instrument issued by a government, or any agency thereof; or (b) A check, an issue of stocks, bonds, or any other instrument representing an interest in or a claim against property, or a pecuniary interest in or claim against any person or enterprise. III-a. Forgery is a class A misdemeanor if the writing is or purports to be a fake or counterfeit certificate of insurance. IV. All other forgery is a class B misdemeanor. V. A person is guilty of a class B misdemeanor if he knowingly possesses any writing that is a forgery under this section or any device for making any such writing. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this paragraph that the possession was without an intent to defraud.
Source: official New Hampshire text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire § 638-1
What does New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 638-1 cover?
Section 638-1 ("Section 638:1 Forgery.") is part of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire § 638-1?
A common citation format is "New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 638-1" (New Hampshire). 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 New Hampshire law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Hampshire official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney.
How does New Hampshire § 638-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.