Former Republican state legislator Austin Smith pleaded guilty Monday to what he previously called “ludicrous” charges that he personally forged more than 100 signatures on his petitions for reelection last year.
Former Republican state legislator Austin Smith pleaded guilty Monday to what he previously called “ludicrous” charges that he personally forged more than 100 signatures on his petitions for reelection last year.
So, what, it’s only actual fraud if you don’t get caught? He submitted fraudulent documents. Full stop. He successfully committed fraud.
Legally, it is attempted fraud. He got caught and it’s only “fraud” if the damage is done. But “attempted fraud” isn’t nothing and he’s getting hit with multiple charges.
The thing we should be mad about is the possibility that he won’t have a felony on his record (the judge can decide if it’s a felony after his probationary period, as explained in the article)
The name of the charge definitely sounds likes it’s way less bad but it’s only a little less bad lol