18 U.S.C. § 498 – Forgery of Military or Naval Discharge Certificates
This law makes it a federal crime to forge or use false military or naval discharge certificates.
This statute applies to forged, altered, or counterfeit discharge certificates issued by the United States military or naval service. These documents are often used to claim veteran status, benefits, or eligibility for government programs.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly:
- Forge, counterfeit, or falsely alter a military or naval discharge certificate
- Use, possess, or exhibit a forged or altered discharge certificate as genuine
Penalties.
A conviction under this statute can result in a fine, up to 1 year in federal prison, or both.
If you are under investigation or facing charges involving forged military or discharge records, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your options.
