Forgery is a type of fraud that involves making or altering written documents in order to deceive a person or institution. Most forgery crimes in Georgia are felonies.Learn what penalties apply to 1st-degree, 2nd-degree, 3rd-degree, and 4-th degree forgery. First degree forgery charges arise from "uttering or delivering" a forged document. Georgia's forgery laws are outlined in O.C.G.A. § 1691.