If you’re facing forgery charges in Cincinnati, OH, it’s important to understand the gravity of your situation. Forgery is taken seriously in Ohio, and you could face serious repercussions, including prison time. Given this reality, you need to consider working with a lawyer who has experience in handling forgery cases.
An experienced criminal defense attorney will have the knowledge and skill required to navigate the complexities of your case and build a strong defense on your behalf. For help with criminal charges in Cincinnati, Ohio, contact our skilled team from Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (513) 333-0014 to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati forgery lawyer.
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How Our Theft Crime Attorneys Can Help If You’ve Been Charged With Forgery
If you’ve been arrested for forgery in Cincinnati, Ohio, our team is here to help. Here’s how our skills and experience can benefit your case:
- We’ll thoroughly review all allegations and evidence presented against you to identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
- We will utilize our extensive network of forensic experts and professional resources to provide critical analysis of documentation and testimony.
- If appropriate for your circumstances, negotiating a plea deal could lead to reduced penalties and even dismissed charges in certain cases. We will do everything we can to get the prosecutor to make a deal that is beneficial to you.
- Our attorneys will prepare an effective courtroom strategy, which could involve challenging the alleged intent to commit forgery or disputing the authenticity of certain documents.
For help with a forgery charge, let our legal team help. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our Cincinnati theft crimes attorneys.
Overview of Forgery in Ohio
In the state of Ohio, forgery is defined as the act of engaging in certain deceptive practices with the intention of committing fraud. This includes a variety of actions, such as:
- Signing someone else’s name on official documents
- Making unauthorized alterations to existing documents
- Creating a counterfeit identification card
- Modifying an ID to display false information – like an incorrect name, age, or birthdate
- Selling or distributing a fake identification card
- Presenting forged documents (for example, attempting to cash a forged check)
The main objective of these actions is usually to wrongfully obtain funds that do not rightfully belong to the individual committing the act.
What Are the Penalties For Forgery in Cincinnati, Ohio?
In Ohio, forgery encompasses a range of deceptive actions aimed at committing fraud. It is crucial to understand the legal consequences associated with these offenses.
Classification of Forgery Crimes
Forging identification cards or trafficking in false identification is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. Most other forgery-related offenses are treated as felonies of the fifth degree. However, there are specific scenarios and aggravating factors that elevate these charges:
- Property or services involved: If the forgery includes fraudulent real estate documents or the wrongful acquisition of goods or services, the crime may escalate to a fourth-degree felony or a second-degree felony if the victim is elderly or disabled.
- Value of Loss: If the financial loss or value of the property involved is between $7,500 and $150,000, the charge may be elevated to a fourth-degree felony. If the loss exceeds $150,000, the offense can further escalate to a third-degree felony, or a second-degree felony if the victim is a vulnerable individual.
Potential Sentences
The penalties for forgery in Ohio vary considerably, depending on the degree of the felony. The following outlines the potential consequences:
- Fifth-Degree Felony: Between 6 to 12 months in prison, with fines up to $2,500, or both.
- Fourth-Degree Felony: Between 6 to 18 months in prison, with fines up to $5,000, or both.
- Third-Degree Felony: Between 9 months to 5 years in prison, with fines up to $10,000, or both.
- Second-Degree Felony: Between 2 to 8 years in prison, with fines up to $15,000, or both.
- First-Degree Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail for first offenses.
Understanding the seriousness of forgery in Ohio is critical for anyone facing these accusations.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for Forgery?
When facing accusations of forgery, it is essential for defendants to understand the available defenses that can potentially mitigate or invalidate the charges. Here are several common defenses that may be raised in a forgery case:
Lack of Intent
One fundamental defense against forgery charges is the lack of intent to deceive or defraud. If the accused can demonstrate that there was no intention to mislead or unlawfully gain from another party, it may lead to a dismissal of the charges.
Mistaken Identity
Another viable defense is mistaken identity. If the accused can provide evidence that they were not present at the location of the alleged crime or that another individual was responsible, this could potentially exonerate them.
Consent
In instances where the documents were signed with the consent of the involved parties, a defense can be established based on the argument that no unlawful act was committed, as both parties agreed to the terms laid out in the documents.
Lack of Alteration
If an individual can prove that the writing or document in question was not altered or falsified, they may successfully argue that the elements of forgery have not been met.
Insufficient Evidence
If the prosecution cannot provide compelling evidence that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, this can serve as a strong defense against the allegations of forgery. A thorough examination of the evidence is crucial in building this defense.
Ultimately, the appropriate defense strategy in a forgery case depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the accusation. It’s essential to speak with an attorney who can assess the details of the case and determine the most effective approach.
If you are facing forgery charges, the most important step you can take is to seek legal guidance. Our experienced lawyers are committed to providing you with a comprehensive analysis of your situation and helping you defend your freedom and your future. Contact Suhre & Associates and DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our Cincinnati forgery lawyers today.
