{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "penal", "section": "170.10", "citation": "Penal Law § 170.10", "heading": "Forgery in the second degree", "text": ["§ 170.10 Forgery in the second degree.", "A person is guilty of forgery in the second degree when, with intent to defraud, deceive or injure another, he falsely makes, completes or alters a written instrument which is or purports to be, or which is calculated to become or to represent if completed:", "1. A deed, will, codicil, contract, assignment, commercial instrument, credit card, as that term is defined in subdivision seven of section 155.00, or other instrument which does or may evidence, create, transfer, terminate or otherwise affect a legal right, interest, obligation or status; or", "2. A public record, or an instrument filed or required or authorized by law to be filed in or with a public office or public servant; or", "3. A written instrument officially issued or created by a public office, public servant or governmental instrumentality; or", "4. Part of an issue of tokens, public transportation transfers, certificates or other articles manufactured and designed for use as symbols of value usable in place of money for the purchase of property or services; or", "5. A prescription of a duly licensed physician or other person authorized to issue the same for any drug or any instrument or device used in the taking or administering of drugs for which a prescription is required by law.", "Forgery in the second degree is a class D felony."], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/170.10", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "A person commits second-degree forgery by intending to defraud, deceive, or injure another and **falsely making, completing, or altering a written instrument** that is or could become:\n- **(1)** a deed, will, contract, assignment, commercial instrument, credit card, or another instrument affecting a legal right, interest, obligation, or status;\n- **(2)** a public record or legally filed instrument;\n- **(3)** an instrument officially issued by government;\n- **(4)** a token, transit transfer, certificate, or other money substitute; or\n- **(5)** a prescription for a drug or prescription-only device. ★\nIt is a **class D felony**.", "in_force_on": "2026-05-31", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/penal/170.10", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}