What defines criminal possession of a forged instrument in the third degree?

The definition of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the third degree centers around the awareness of the individual possessing the forged document. This concept emphasizes that for someone to be guilty of this crime, they must have knowledge that the instrument they are possessing is forged.

When someone knowingly possesses a forged instrument, it implies a level of intent and awareness regarding the nature of the document. This knowledge distinguishes the act from mere possession of documents that may appear valid but are actually counterfeit. The law requires that the individual is aware that the instrument is not genuine to establish the offense of possession in the third degree.

Other options do not align with the legal definition of this crime as they either suggest a lack of knowledge or refer to instruments that aren't considered forged in the context of criminal law. For instance, suggesting that a valid written instrument is involved does not pertain to criminal possession, as the essence of the charge is the awareness of the instrument’s forgery. Additionally, mentioning possession without intent would not fulfill the necessary criteria for the charge since knowledge is a critical element in establishing culpability in this context. Lastly, a document altered by the owner could potentially have nuances that exempt it from being classified purely as a forged instrument unless it also fulfills the criteria of forg