If a person alters a certified copy of an official record, what is the legal consequence?

Altering a certified copy of an official record typically constitutes a serious offense, as it undermines the integrity and authenticity of official documentation. This type of action is classified as a misdemeanor in many legal jurisdictions because it involves falsification and deception but may not reach the threshold of severity required for a felony charge.

A misdemeanor carries legal consequences that can include fines, community service, or a short-term jail sentence, depending on the specifics of the case and jurisdiction. This classification recognizes the impact of the misconduct without escalating it to the most serious category of crime, which would suggest harm to individuals or society at large on a more significant scale.

In contrast, the other potential legal responses such as a fine or community service can be components of a misdemeanor sentence but do not capture the full legal classification of the crime itself. Meanwhile, a felony typically involves more severe actions that cause substantial harm, which is not the case with the alteration of an official record's copy, thereby affirming the classification as a misdemeanor.