ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

What is first degree forgery specifically related to?

1. Any document

2. A government document

3. A financial check

4. Personal identification documents

The correct answer is: A government document

First-degree forgery specifically relates to the creation or alteration of government documents. This type of forgery is considered particularly serious because government documents often carry significant authority and authenticity, impacting legal processes, identity verification, and civic rights. The manipulation of such documents, like identification cards, passports, or official records, undermines the trust and legitimacy of governmental operations. While other types of forgery, such as financial checks or personal identification documents, are indeed illegal and can entail severe penalties, first-degree forgery is distinct in its focus on official government-related instruments. This distinction is crucial because it highlights the higher stakes involved with governmental authority and the potential for public harm when such documents are forged.