Opinion ID: 2623133
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Application of Forgery Statute

Text: The jury was instructed that the elements of forgery were: 1. [T]hat the defendant, 2. in the State of Colorado, at or about the date and place charged, 3. with intent to defraud, 4. falsely makes, completes or utters a written instrument, 5. which is or purports to be, of which is calculated to become or represent if completed an instrument which does or may evidence, create, transfer, terminate, or otherwise affect a legal right, interest, or status. The People presented evidence that the August letter was authored by the defendant and signed by him with the victim's name  and further that the defendant sent it to the District Attorney with the intent of securing dismissal of the assault charges against him. That evidence is sufficient to sustain a conviction for forgery. Cunefare's letter to the prosecutor was intended to defraud the prosecutor and could have affected his legal status as a defendant in a pending criminal prosecution, the obligation of the prosecutor to pursue the assault charges, and the interest of the victim. Although a letter to the prosecutor has no legal effect standing alone, this letter was clearly an effort to influence the prosecutor and thereby impact or affect the pending case. Just as the judge in Muzzarelli could have been influenced by false information in making a sentencing decision, so too could the prosecutor have relied on the false letter when considering whether to dismiss the charges against the defendant. The prosecutor has an obligation to determine whether probable cause exists before moving forward with a case. If the sole witness recants her version of events or is reluctant to testify, the prosecutor may be inclined to dismiss the charges. The prosecutor would likely rely on the letter in making this determination. Forged letters to the prosecutor purporting to be authored by the victim of a crime hinder the administration of justice.