§708-854  Criminal possession of a forgery
device.  (1)  A person commits the offense of criminal possession of a
forgery device if:



(a) The person makes or possesses with knowledge of
its character any plate, die, or other device, apparatus, equipment, or article
specifically designed or adapted for use in forging written instruments; or



(b) The person makes or possesses any device,
apparatus, equipment, or article capable of or adaptable to use in forging
written instruments with intent to use it oneself, or to aid or permit another
to use it, for purposes of forgery.



(2)  Criminal possession of a forgery device is
a class C felony. [L 1972, c 9, pt of §1; gen ch 1993]



 



COMMENTARY ON §708-854



 



  This section punishes the making or possession of (a) a
device specifically adapted for forgery, which has no other significant use,
and the character of which is known to the actor, or (b) a device which may be
adapted to forgery, where the actor has an intent so to employ the article (or
aid in its employment).



  Like the section dealing with possession of burglar's tools,
this section provides a basis for police intervention at the inchoate or
preparatory stage of criminal activity.  Note, however, that in order to
establish the offense the prosecution must prove the requisite state of
knowledge or intent.