The prison term is between one and fifteen years for first-degree forgery in Georgia. Forgery in the fourth degree is treated as a misdemeanor conviction.A person commits forgery if, with intent to defraud, the person: 1. Falsely makes, completes or alters a written instrument; or 2. Second-Degree Forgery Penalties. Forgery laws in Georgia are classified into four. Forgeries in the first and second degree relate to writings other than checks.