What legal consequence applies to a suspect who utters a forged document?

When a suspect utters a forged document, they are typically committing a serious crime that falls under the category of forgery. This act generally involves the creation or use of a document that has been altered or fabricated with the intent to deceive. In many jurisdictions, this behavior is classified as a felony because it undermines the integrity of legal documents, financial instruments, and other forms of identification or contracts.

Felony charges carry significant legal consequences, including potential imprisonment, heavy fines, and a lasting criminal record. The severity of the offense is based on the potential harm that could result from the forgery, such as financial loss to victims or disruption in legal processes.

Other options, such as fines, community service, or misdemeanor charges, do not reflect the serious nature of uttering a forged document. Such lesser penalties typically correspond to less severe offenses or first-time violations, which would not adequately address the intent and impact involved in forgery-related crimes. Thus, felony charges are the correct legal consequence for a suspect engaged in this activity.