Full question:
In 2003 I cosigned a student loan for my brother in-law. He later went on to use my information to fill out three additional student loan applications in which he forged my signature and used my social security number without permission. These loans total to about 40K. I have two questions:1) If I were to report this what crime would he be facing? Would it be considered a felony or a misdemeanor?2) What is the statute of limitations on reporting something like this?
- Category: Criminal
- Subcategory: Statute of Limitations
- Date:
- State: Massachusetts
Answer:
The specific charges your brother-in-law could face may include forgery, fraud, and identity theft, among others. Depending on the severity and circumstances, these offenses can be classified as felonies or misdemeanors. For example, under Massachusetts law, forgery can result in imprisonment for up to ten years (G.L.c. 267, § 1). Identity fraud, which involves using another person’s personal information without permission, can lead to similar penalties (G.L.c. 266, § 37E). As for the statute of limitations, it varies based on the crime. Generally, you have six years to report most crimes, including fraud (G.L.c. 277, § 63). However, if the victim is under sixteen at the time of the crime, the reporting period may be extended. For more specific guidance, consider consulting with a legal professional. Users can search for state-specific legal templates at .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.