What is the classification of forgery in the fourth degree?

Forgery in the fourth degree is classified as a Class A misdemeanor because it typically involves falsifying a written instrument or committing a minor form of deception without significant harm or intent to defraud on a larger scale. This classification is consistent with the legal principles that differentiate between varying degrees of forgery, where the severity of the act and the intent behind it dictate the classification.

In many jurisdictions, higher degrees of forgery involve more serious acts or larger amounts of property or financial impact, which justifies their classification as felonies. In contrast, the acts categorized as fourth-degree forgery typically do not pose a significant threat to public order or safety, aligning with the misdemeanor classification which usually entails lesser penalties compared to felonies. By understanding this distinction, it becomes clear why forgery in the fourth degree specifically is designated as a Class A misdemeanor.