Forgery of a title in SC

[reyn562]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? SC

My buyer was making payments to me for a vehicle I sold him. Lagging on his payments, he had a balance of $300. I just found out that he forged the title that I handed to him (but didn't sign it), and ordered him not to touch that vehicle until he paid it in full (he took it anyway, but that was a relief because it had to be removed from the property, so I let that slide). Now I just found out that he forged my signature and now he has the vehicle in his name. I am investigating the offense, and am obtaining copies of the title that was signed and other supporting evidence.

Obviously this is a case of forgery. Is this a felony or misdemeanor? Does it matter if the item forged is a state document?

 

[sandyclaus]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? SC

My buyer was making payments to me for a vehicle I sold him. Lagging on his payments, he had a balance of $300. I just found out that he forged the title that I handed to him (but didn't sign it), and ordered him not to touch that vehicle until he paid it in full (he took it anyway, but that was a relief because it had to be removed from the property, so I let that slide). Now I just found out that he forged my signature and now he has the vehicle in his name. I am investigating the offense, and am obtaining copies of the title that was signed and other supporting evidence.

Obviously this is a case of forgery. Is this a felony or misdemeanor? Does it matter if the item forged is a state document?

According to what I found, I believe this statute applies, and makes what he did a felony under SC law:

SECTION 16-21-10. Altering, forging or counterfeiting certificate of title, registration card or license plate; misrepresentation or concealment in application.

(A) It is unlawful for a person to:

(1) alter, forge, or counterfeit a certificate of title, registration card, or license plate;

(2) alter or forge an assignment of a certificate of title or an assignment or release of a security interest on a certificate of title or on a form the department prescribes;

(3) possess or use a certificate of title, registration card, or license plate, knowing it to have been altered, forged, or counterfeited; or

(4) use a false or fictitious name or address, make a material false statement, fail to disclose a security interest, or conceal any other material fact in an application for a certificate of title or for registration.

(B) A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than five years.

Have you contacted police and the DMV to report this? Obviously, if you never signed the title over to the guy, you should be able to easily prove that any signature contained on the docs are NOT yours.

 

[dave33]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? SC

My buyer was making payments to me for a vehicle I sold him. Lagging on his payments, he had a balance of $300. I just found out that he forged the title that I handed to him (but didn't sign it), and ordered him not to touch that vehicle until he paid it in full (he took it anyway, but that was a relief because it had to be removed from the property, so I let that slide). Now I just found out that he forged my signature and now he has the vehicle in his name. I am investigating the offense, and am obtaining copies of the title that was signed and other supporting evidence.

Obviously this is a case of forgery. Is this a felony or misdemeanor? Does it matter if the item forged is a state document?

How about calling the guy and telling him it would be much easier for everyone if he just pays you
the $300. If the money is important, you may get it much sooner if you can handle this w/out the
police.