Dear XXXXXXXXX,
Under the current PA code the grading for forgery is as follows:
(c) Grading.--Forgery is a felony of the second degree if the writing is or purports to be part of an issue of money, securities, postage or revenue stamps, or other instruments issued by the government, or part of an issue of stock, bonds or other instruments representing interests in or claims against any property or enterprise. Forgery is a felony of the third degree if the writing is or purports to be a will, deed, contract, release, commercial instrument, or other document evidencing, creating, transferring, altering, terminating, or otherwise affecting legal relations. Otherwise forgery is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
I would say that your crime, signing a credit card, would a felony of the third degree because it created a supposed relationship between you and the credit card company. However, be warned that the grading may have not been the same in 1978.
Sincerely,
soloprac
Criminal Defense Lawyer
3+ years exclusive court house criminal law practice.