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.

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[–] 52 points 11 months ago (4 children)

attempted

So, what, it's only actual fraud if you don't get caught? He submitted fraudulent documents. Full stop. He successfully committed fraud.

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  • [–] 33 points 11 months ago (2 children)

    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)

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