Forgery of Symbols of Value — C.G.S. § 53a-142

Getting charged with forgery of “symbols of value” can be confusing because most people haven’t heard of this statute. These cases often involve passes, tokens, vouchers, or certificates that function like money. The good news: there are many ways to fight this charge and protect your record—especially if there was a misunderstanding about what the item was or whether it was legitimate.

A person is guilty of forgery of symbols of value when they make, complete, alter, issue, or possess a forged written instrument with intent to defraud, deceive, or injure, and the item is, purports to be, or is designed to be part of an issue of tokens, public-transportation transfers, certificates, or other “symbols of value” used in place of money.

Classification: Class A misdemeanor.

If convicted, you face:

• Up to 364 days in jail
• A fine up to $2,000
• Up to 2 years of probation
• A permanent criminal record that can affect jobs, licensing, and immigration

A commuter digitally changes the expiration date on a monthly rail pass and uses it during inspection. Because the pass functions like a symbol of value for transportation, altering and presenting it can trigger this charge.

Someone edits the printed amount on a paper store certificate from $25 to $75 and tries to redeem it. A gift certificate is a certificate used in place of money; falsifying it fits the statute.

A person molds or orders counterfeit tokens to operate coin-acceptor machines. Tokens substitute for cash; making or possessing fake ones with intent to use them fits § 53a-142.

A customer presents an expired but unaltered promotional email at checkout. That’s not a forged token/transfer/certificate and typically won’t meet § 53a-142. (A store can refuse the discount; other charges generally don’t apply unless there’s deception beyond simply presenting an expired, unaltered offer).

• Forgery in the First Degree— C.G.S. § 53a-138
• Forgery in the Second Degree— C.G.S. § 53a-139
• Forgery in the Third Degree— C.G.S. § 53a-140
• Criminal Simulation— C.G.S. § 53a-141
• Larceny (Theft by False Pretenses / Theft of Services; degree depends on value) — C.G.S. § 53a-119 (definition) and §§ 53a-122– 53a-125b (degrees)

• No intent to defraud — You didn’t know the item was altered/forged; good-faith use.
• Not a “symbol of value” — The item wasn’t designed or used like money.
• Authorization/genuineness — The instrument was valid or you reasonably believed it was valid.
• Insufficient proof — The State can’t prove you made/altered/issued it, or that you knew it was forged.

For eligible first-time offenders, AR can be a strong resolution. If the court grants AR and you complete all conditions (e.g., community service, restitution), the case is dismissed and erased. Because AR is limited, it should be used strategically—sometimes it’s better to litigate when the State’s evidence is weak.

Anything designed to be used in place of money—passes, tokens, transfers, vouchers, or redeemable certificates. The closer it functions to cash or admission, the more likely it qualifies.

No. The statute also covers issuing or possessing a forged instrument knowing it’s forged, with intent to defraud or injure. 

An unaltered, expired coupon generally isn’t a forged symbol of value. Once someone changes a coupon or certificate to increase value or extend dates, it can cross the line.

Knowledge and intent are core elements. If you reasonably believed the item was legitimate, that can be a strong defense to the charge.

Yes. Cases can also include Forgery (other degrees), Criminal Simulation, or Larceny/Theft of Services if you actually obtained value with the item.

Jail is possible but uncommon for first-time, non-aggravated cases. Outcomes often include AR, dismissal, or non-jail resolutions, especially with early restitution.

Often, yes. AR may be available for eligible first-time offenders; successful completion leads to dismissal and erasure of the charge.

It can. Fraud-type offenses raise trustworthiness concerns for employers and licensing boards, and may pose immigration issues. Addressing the case quickly helps manage these risks.

They may use surveillance, store records, admissions, digital edits, or device/account logs tying you to the item. Preserve your own receipts and communications to show good-faith use.

When a case is dismissed, it’s typically erased under Connecticut law. Private databases can lag, so keep proof of the dismissal/erasure for background checks.

A forgery charge involving tokens, passes, or certificates does not have to define your future. With the right strategy—challenging intent, disputing whether the item is truly a “symbol of value,” and leveraging AR where appropriate—you can protect your record.

📞 Call (203) 357-5555 or reach out through my contact page for a free consultation. I’ll fight to keep your record clean and help you move forward.