What degree of forgery involves fraudulent completion or alteration of stocks or bonds?

The degree of forgery that involves the fraudulent completion or alteration of stocks or bonds is classified as forgery in the first degree. This level of forgery specifically addresses more serious fraudulent activities, particularly those related to financial instruments, including corporate stocks and bonds. The law considers such acts to be of heightened severity due to their potential impact on economic stability and trust in the security of financial systems.

Forgery in the first degree typically encompasses the creation of false financial documents or the illicit alteration of existing legitimate ones, which can lead to significant financial repercussions for individuals, businesses, or even broader economic ramifications. This distinction emphasizes the legal system's recognition of the need for stricter penalties for crimes involving higher stakes or greater potential harm, making it clear that such offenses are treated with the utmost seriousness.

In contrast, forgery in the second degree generally pertains to less severe forms of forgery, which might involve personal documents or non-financial instruments, thereby underscoring a tiered approach to handling various forms of fraudulent behavior. General fraud and identity fraud do not specifically encompass the targeted realm of financial instruments like stocks and bonds, further clarifying why the focus is on the first-degree forgery classification for this particular scenario.