Written by Kotowski Staff Monday, 01 August 2011 14:10
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dan Kotowski (D–Park Ridge) sponsored legislation ensuring that people who commit forgery with the intent to defraud are held accountable for their actions. Governor Pat Quinn recently signed that legislation, Senate Bill 2027, into law.“This legislation takes an important step toward protecting our seniors and families from forgery and fraud,” Senator Kotowski said. “In recent years, identity theft has been on the rise, devastating the lives of many Illinoisans. This new law helps decrease these crimes and allows our law enforcement officials to punish those who commit forgery and fraud.”
With this law in place anyone who creates false documents, forges signatures or adds false information to a document with the intent to defraud can be justly prosecuted. Senator Kotowski worked with the Office of the Illinois Attorney General on this legislation, which stemmed from a 2009 US Supreme Court Case (People v. De Filippo).
In the case, an entirely false document was created and there were some uncertainties if that constituted forgery. The ruling concluded that creating false documents should be included in the crime of forgery.
“Forging documents continues to be an avenue for criminals in Illinois to defraud government agencies and unsuspecting consumers,” Attorney General Lisa Madigan said. “This new law strengthens my office’s ability to prosecute and punish these offenders to the full extent of the law.”
With SB 2027 becoming law, those who are guilty of forgery under these provisions can be charged with a Class 3 Felony, which can include two to five years of imprisonment.
Senator Kotowski Menu
33rd District
Years served: 2007 - Present
Committee assignments: Financial Institutions (Vice-Chairperson); Human Services; Appropriations II; Commerce (Chairperson); Criminal Law; Committee of the Whole; Criminal Law Subcomm. on Firearms; Subcomm.Medicaid &Provider Rate Ref; Crim. Law Subcom Enhance/Redundancy.
Biography: Born and raised in Chicago, Dan lives with his wife Anne and sons Nate and Cooper in Park Ridge. He is educated in Illinois (Loyola Academy, University of Illinois, and DePaul University) and committed to public service.