What is the offense described by possessing forged items?

Possession of forged items is specifically addressed under California Penal Code section 475, which criminalizes the act of knowingly possessing any forged or counterfeit items with the intent to use them. This offense can include various types of forged documents such as checks, credit cards, or identification cards. The key element of this crime is the knowledge and intent regarding the forged nature of the items in one's possession, which distinguishes it from other offenses that may involve theft or fraud but do not specifically focus on the possession of forged materials.

While credit card fraud, grand theft, and petty theft involve elements of theft or fraud, they do not accurately reflect the specific act of mere possession of forged items. In the case of credit card fraud, there is typically a pattern of deception and active misuse of a forged credit card rather than just possessing it. Grand theft and petty theft are related to the unlawful taking of someone else's property but do not encompass the nuances of having forged items in one's possession. Therefore, the correct identification of the offense as possessing forged items aligns directly with the respective penal code provision and its definitions.