Rhode Island § 11-17-1 - Forgery and Counterfeiting

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 11-17-1 — Forgery and Counterfeiting, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 11-17-1. Forgery and Counterfeiting

R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-17-1

§ 11-17-1. Forgery and counterfeiting in general.

Every person who shall falsely make, alter, forge, or counterfeit, or procure to be falsely made, altered, forged, or counterfeited, any public record, or any writ, process, or proceeding in any court of justice in this state, any certificate or attestation of any judge, justice of the peace, warden, notary public, clerk of any court, town clerk, city clerk or other public officer, in any matter in which the certificate or attestation may be received as legal proof, any charter, deed, will, testament, bond, or writing obligatory, letter of attorney, policy of insurance, bill of exchange, bill of lading, railroad ticket, promissory note, order, acquittance, discharge for or upon the payment of money or delivery of goods, or any acceptance of a bill of exchange or any indorsement, assignment, or guaranty of any bill of exchange or promissory note, or any certificate, or accountable receipt for money, goods, or any other thing, or any warrant, order, or request for the payment of money or delivery of goods, or for the delivery of any note, bill, or other security for money or goods, or any lottery ticket, or part or share of any lottery ticket in any lottery authorized by the laws of any state, territory, or country, or any writing whatsoever purporting to contain evidence of any debt, contract, or promise, or of the discharge, payment of satisfaction of any debt, contract, or promise, with intent to defraud, or who shall utter and publish as true or shall procure to be uttered and published as true any such false, forged, altered, or counterfeited record, deed, or other writing as provided in this section, knowing it to be false, forged, altered, or counterfeited, with intent to defraud, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) years, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.

History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 280, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 346, § 1; P.L. 1915, ch. 1258, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 398, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 609, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 11-17-1.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 11-17-1

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 11-17-1 cover?

Section 11-17-1 ("Forgery and Counterfeiting") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island § 11-17-1?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 11-17-1" (Rhode Island). 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 Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 11-17-1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.