Forgery
Forgery is one of the most common types of theft in Ohio, and those who commit it are not always aware of the repercussions. The penalties for such a crime vary from a first-degree misdemeanor to a second-degree felony depending on the circumstance of the forgery.
There are numerous documents that can be the object of forgery. These documents include I.D cards, legal certificates, and checks.
Lawyer for Forgery in Dayton, OH
If you are being investigated for forgery, you should call Joslyn Law Firm today at (937) 356-3969. Attorneys with Joslyn Law Firm are experienced with forgery cases and will strive to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
Joslyn Law Firm serves Dayton, Kettering, Huber Heights, Troy, Piqua, Springfield, Beavercreek and other surrounding areas. Call us today or fill out the online form and one of our attorneys will review your forgery case for free.
Overview of Forgery in Ohio
In Ohio, forgery includes the forgery of an individual’s signature, making, selling or distributing fake I.D’s and cashing checks in another person’s name.
According to Ohio Revised Code 2913, forgery is defined by the means to fabricate or create any fraudulent writing, or to make, execute, complete, reproduce or claim the authenticity of any writing when it is not authenticated by that conduct. The following circumstances are considered forgery:
- Forging another person’s writing on a document without their consent
- Being in possession of a forged document with the intent to present or use it
- Forging writing to make it appear genuine when it’s not
- Creating a fake I.D or altering and I.D so it contains false information such as different age, date of birth or name
- Using or presenting a forged document such as check to be cashed
- Selling or distributing and I.D that is forged
Every day in Ohio, individuals are charged with passing bad checks. Under O.R.C 2913.11 there are five circumstances that constitute passing a bad check, and only one needs to apply to your case. These circumstances include:
- A check was written using an account that was opened with false information
- You knew there was not enough money in your account to cover the check
- You did not pay the amount owed within 10 days following notice
- You were notified of the bounced check within 30 days after it was issued of within 30 days of the agreed on deposit date.
- The check was written to an account that does not exist
The extent of penalties for forgery in Ohio varies depending on numerous circumstances. O.R.C 2913.31 establishes the following penalties for committing forgery in Ohio:
- Forging, selling or distributing forged I.D cards is a first-degree misdemeanor. The offense comes with a maximum of 180 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
- Forgery that does not involves less than $5,000 in property, services and other loss suffered by the victim is a fifth-degree felony. The offense comes with six months to a year in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.
- Forgery that involves property between $5,000 and $100,000 is a fourth-degree felony. This offense entails a minimum of one year in prison and a maximum of six months and up to one year in prison with up to $5,000 in fines.
- Forgery that involves property more then $100,000 is considered a third-degree felony. This offense entails a least one year and up to five in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
If the victim is elderly, a disabled adult or the property involved it worth more the $1,000, the conviction will come with harsher penalties.
Ohio Revised Code 2913.31- View full text of the statute on codes.ohio.gov that governs the law regarding forgery in Ohio. The statute offers in-depth explanations of what constitutes forgery as well as its penalties. Code.ohio.gov is a website that features full text of the Ohio Revised Code and the Administrative Code.
Ohio Revised Code 2913.11- Read the statue of the Ohio Revised Code that governs the law regarding the use of bad checks. The statute offers in-depth explanations of what constitutes forgery using checks and the penalties associated with it.
Find a Forgery Attorney in Dayton, OH
If you are currently being investigated for forgery, or you believe you have been falsely accused of forgery, you should explore your legal options with Joslyn Law Firm. Our attorneys are experienced with forgery cases and serve many communities in western Ohio. These communities include Dayton, Kettering, Huber Heights, Troy, Piqua, Beavercreek, and other surrounding areas.
Joslyn Law Firm will strive to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation by possibly have the charges reduced or dismissed. Call us today at (937) 356-3969 or fill out the form below and one of our attorneys will review your case for free.
