Forgery crimes are classified as both felonies and misdemeanors in Pennsylvania, depending on the type of document or instrument involved. Pennsylvania classifies basic forgery as a misdemeanor of the first degree.However, such offense will be elevated to a felony of the third degree. Altering someone's writing without their permission. Our criminal fraud attorneys are experienced in winning federal and state forgery and check fraud cases - call David Shrager direct for a free consultation. It is illegal in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to forge money, government-issued documents, legal documents, and other types of writing.