Full question:
Is Miss. Code Ann. 97-21-59 and /or 97-21-33 a swing statue? Would someone convicted of uttering forgery under $500.00 be a felony?
- Category: Criminal
- Date:
- State: National
Answer:
The term "felony" refers to any law violation punishable by death or imprisonment in the penitentiary (Miss. Code Ann. § 1-3-11). Under Mississippi law, forgery is addressed in Miss. Code Ann. § 97-21-33. If convicted of forgery, a person faces two to ten years in the penitentiary or a fine up to Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000). However, if the value involved is less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500), the court may impose a lesser sentence, including up to six months in county jail or a fine up to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-21-33).
Miss. Code Ann. § 97-21-59 covers uttering a counterfeit instrument. A person convicted under this statute faces the same penalties as those for forgery. Therefore, whether a conviction under these statutes results in a felony depends on the court's sentencing decision.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.