§ 8-601. Counterfeiting of private instruments and documents

   (a) Prohibited. -- A person, with intent to defraud another, may not counterfeit, cause to be counterfeited, or willingly aid or assist in counterfeiting any:

   (1) bond;

   (2) check;

   (3) deed;

   (4) draft;

   (5) endorsement or assignment of a bond, draft, check, or promissory note;

   (6) entry in an account book or ledger;

   (7) letter of credit;

   (8) negotiable instrument;

   (9) power of attorney;

   (10) promissory note;

   (11) release or discharge for money or property;

   (12) title to a motor vehicle;

   (13) waiver or release of mechanics' lien; or

   (14) will or codicil.

(b) Prohibited -- Possession of counterfeit. -- A person may not knowingly, willfully, and with fraudulent intent possess a counterfeit of any of the items listed in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Penalty. --

   (1) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $ 1,000 or both.

   (2) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $ 1,000 or both.

(d) Venue. -- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the prosecution of an alleged violation of this section or for an alleged violation of a crime based on an act that establishes a violation of this section may be commenced in any county in which:

   (1) an element of the crime occurred;

   (2) the deed or other alleged counterfeit instrument is recorded in the county land records, filed with the clerk of the circuit court, or filed with the register of wills;

   (3) the victim resides; or

   (4) if the victim is not an individual, the victim conducts business.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 44(a); 2002, ch. 26, § 2; 2004, ch. 484; 2005, ch. 24; 2011, ch. 73.