What does possession of a forged instrument mean?

Possession of a forged instrument refers to the illegal holding or control of a document that has been altered or created with the intent to deceive, typically for financial gain. This can include items like counterfeit money, fake identification, or forged signatures on checks. The offense generally involves not only having the forged item but also the knowledge that it is forged. Legal consequences can vary based on jurisdiction and the specific context of the offense.