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Forgery

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Forgery

Forging identification cards, checks, or other types of documents is considered a criminal defense in Ohio. The crime of forgery is normally done with the purpose or intent to commit fraud. Penalties for a forgery offense can be very serious. A conviction can result in large fines and even possible incarceration.

Using another person’s name or writing for the purpose of fraud can land a person in hot water. Even the “harmless” practice of making a fake ID among college students can result in forgery charges. It is important that you stay ahead and gain legal representation when charged with forgery.

Cincinnati Attorney for Forgery Charges in Ohio

If you or someone you know has been charged with forgery in the Hamilton County area, it is highly recommended that you find the assistance of a criminal defense attorney.

Joslyn Law Firm is a group of passionate and knowledgeable defense attorneys in the southern Ohio region. We understand that the legal system in Ohio can be daunting, and want to do all in our power to navigate you through this process. Our attorneys have over 20 years of combined experience to help find you the best possible outcome for your case. The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm are respected among the legal community. Attorney Brian Joslyn, was granted the top criminal lawyer status by Columbus CEO Magazine.

Find an attorney who puts you in the forefront. The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm defend those accused of forgery throughout the greater Hamilton County area and surrounding cities including Cincinnati, Reading, Springdale, Georgetown, Harrison, and Anderson.

Call us today at (513) 399-6289 or simply submit an online contact form to schedule your free consultation today.

Overview for Forgery Charges in Ohio


Types of Forgery in Ohio

Forgery crimes can range from a person signing a check in another person’s name to a college student using a fake I.D. in a bar. The crime of forgery is considered to be any sort of imitation, with a purpose to defraud, of another person’s writing, signature, or the making and/or distribution of fake I.D’s.

The following are some types of forgery defined by Ohio Revised Code § 2913.31:

  • Forges any writing of another without his or her permission or authority;
  • Forges any writing that states it was executed at a time or place different than where or when it was actually executed;
  • Forges any writing that then purports to have been executed at a time or place different than where or when it was actually executed;
  • Forges any writing that then purports to be genuine when it is actually counterfeit;
  • Forges any writing that then has terms different from the original terms;
  • Forges any writing that then purports to be genuine when it is actually counterfeit
  • Utters or possess with purpose to utter any writing the person knows to have been forged;
  • Forges any writing that then purports to be a copy of an original when that original did not exist;
  • Forges an identification card or otherwise fakes an I.D.; or
  • Sells or otherwise distributes a card that purports to be an identification card with the knowledge that it is forged or in some form fake.

The term “utter” is defined under Ohio Revised Code when a person issues, publishes, uses, transfers, delivers, displays, or sends into circulation a document that is forged.


Penalties for Forgery Charges in Cincinnati, OH

The penalties for forgery are reliant on what was forged, what was obtained through the forgery, and if the victim of the forgery suffered any losses. For instance, forging identification cards for the purpose to sell, use, or distribute is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree. The maximum penalties for a first degree misdemeanor are the following:

  • A possible fine up to $1,000; and
  • Potential jail time up to 180 days.

Simple forgery, without property, services, or another loss suffered by the victim, is considered a fifth degree felony. A felony of the fifth degree has the following maximum penalties:

  • A possible fine up to $2,500; and
  • Potential jail time up to 12 months in prison.

In other cases, property or services are involved, such as a forged real estate document or fraudulent sale for a piece of land. Additionally, the victim may suffer some sort of loss, such as money from a bank account due to forged checks. Penalties for forgery cases of this caliber are dependent on the amount of money that was involved.

  • Unless otherwise specified, if the victims suffers a loss:
    • Fifth-Degree Felony
      • A possible fine up to $2,500; and
      • Potential jail time up to 12 months in prison. 
  • If the property or services to the victims equals in total between $7,500 to $150,000
    • Fourth Degree Felony
      • A possible fine up to $5,000
    • Potential jail time up to 18 months in prison
  • If the property or services to an elderly person or disable adult total between $1,000 to $7,500
    • Fourth Degree Felony
      • A possible fine up to $5,000
      • Potential jail time up to 18 months in prison.
  • If the property or services to the victims equals in total $150,000 or more
    • Third Degree Felony
      • A possible fine up to $10,000
      • Potential jail time up to 5 years in prison.
  • If the property or services to an elderly person or disable adult total between $7,500 to $37,500
    • Third Degree Felony
      • A possible fine up to $10,000
      • Potential jail time up to 5 years in prison.
  • If the property or services to an elderly person or disable adult total between $37,000 or more
    • Second Degree Felony
      • A possible fine up to $20,000
      • Potential jail time up to 8 years in prison.
  • Forging, selling, or distributing forged identity cards
    • First Degree Misdemeanor
      • A possible fine up to $1,000
      • Potential jail time of up to 6 months in prison.
  • Forging, selling, or distributing forged identity cards with a prior conviction for the same
    • First Degree Misdemeanor
      • A mandatory fine of $250 and a maximum up to $1,000
      • Potential jail time of up to 6 months in prison

Additional Resources

Fraud/Forgery – Visit the official website for the Columbus Police Department and have access to some good resources involving fraud or forgery. See different kinds of scams presented such as home repair scams and reshipping scams.

Fraud.org – Visit the official website for Fraud.org, a project for the National Consumers League. See more information regarding their maintenance of the Fraud Alert System (FAS), and how it works across the United States. Seek our prevention tips, common scams that Fraud.org has encountered, and resources for those who are suffering with fraud.


Lawyer for Forgery Charges in Cincinnati, Ohio

Forgery crimes can be as simple as a high school student trying to present a fake I.D. at a night club. They can also be as complicated as fraudulent sale on a property of another. It is vital that you take action and seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with forgery in Ohio.

Our attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm have over twenty years of combined experience in forgery cases. We are dedicated to each and every one of our clients. The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm are compassionate with our clients and aggressive in the courtroom. We understand that the legal process can be overwhelming and confusing. That is why it is our mission to do whatever we can to help guide you to the best possible result for your case.

Our attorneys practice law throughout the Southern District of Ohio and surrounding counties including Batavia in Clermont County, Wilmington in Clinton County, Georgetown in Brown County, and Cincinnati in Hamilton County.

Start with the first step. Send in an online contact form or call us at (513) 399-6289 to schedule your free consultation today.


This article was last updated on August 20, 2018

 

  • Brian Joslyn was named Best Lawyer in 2019 by Birdeye.
  • Columbus CEO magazine has yearly selections for the best attorneys in Columbus Ohio. Brian Joslyn has been identified as one of the most highly skilled attorneys across central Ohio.
  • Brian Joslyn has earned recognition for community leadership by Lawyer LegionLawyer Legion
  • Preeminent Attorney Award. Peer rated for highest level of professional excellence.
  • The Better Business Bureau (BBB), founded in 1912, is a private, nonprofit organization whose self-described mission is to focus on advancing marketplace trust.

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