§ 11-17-6. Evidence as to handwriting.
In no prosecutions for forging, counterfeiting, or altering any bank bill or note or for uttering, passing, or tendering in payment as true any false, forged, counterfeited, or altered bank bill or note, or for bringing into this state or for having in possession or custody any false, forged, counterfeited, or altered bank bill or note with intent to pass it as true, knowing it to be false, forged, counterfeited, or altered, shall the testimony of any person whose name is purported to be signed to the bill or note or his or her personal attendance as a witness be requisite, when he or she shall be absent from this state at the time of the trial or when his or her place of residence shall be outside the limits of this state or more than thirty (30) miles from the place of trial, but the testimony of any competent witness who is acquainted with the handwriting of the person or who has knowledge of the difference between true and counterfeit or altered bank bills and who is skilled in the difference shall be received as competent evidence to prove any bank bill or note to be false, forged, counterfeited, or altered.
History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 280, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 346, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 398, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 609, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 11-17-6.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 11-17 - Forgery and Counterfeiting
Section 11-17-1. - Forgery and counterfeiting in general.
Section 11-17-1.1. - Forgery — Public assistance check or authorization.
Section 11-17-1.2. - Forgery and counterfeiting of registration plates.
Section 11-17-3. - Passing of counterfeit certificates, bills, or notes.
Section 11-17-4. - Importation or possession of counterfeit certificate, bill, or note.
Section 11-17-5. - Manufacture, repair, or possession of counterfeiting devices.
Section 11-17-6. - Evidence as to handwriting.
Section 11-17-7. - Forgery or counterfeiting of coins.
Section 11-17-8. - Passing of counterfeit coins.
Section 11-17-9. - Importation or possession of counterfeit coin with intent to pass.
Section 11-17-10. - Manufacture, repair, or possession of device for counterfeit of coins.
Section 11-17-11. - Seizure and destruction of counterfeits and counterfeiting devices.
Section 11-17-12. - Disposition of plates and dies of defunct banks.