Forgery
In Ohio, the crime of forgery consists of any of the following actions, when done with the purpose or intent to commit fraud:
- signing another’s name on a document
- changing a document in some way without authority to do so
- creating a false identification card or altering an identification card so that it contains false information, such as a different name, age, or date of birth
- selling or distributing a forged identification card
- using or presenting a forged document (presenting a forged check to be cashed), or
- having possession of a forged document with the intent to use or present it.
Signing another person’s name on a check and then cashing the check at a bank both are forgery crimes in Ohio. The fraudulent purpose is obtaining money that does not belong to the offender or that was not intended for the offender. Using or presenting a forged document also is known as and referred to as “uttering” the document.
Forging identification cards or selling or distributing false identification cards is a misdemeanor of the first degree in Ohio. Any other forgery crime is a felony in the fifth degree except in the circumstances listed below.
If property or services are involved in a forgery crime (the offense involves forged real estate documents and fraudulent sale of a piece of land) or the victim suffers a loss (such as loss of money from a bank account because of forged checks) and the value of the property, services or loss is $7,500 or more but less than $150,000:
- the offense is a felony of the fourth degree or
- a felony of the third degree if the victim is elderly or disabled.
If the value of the property, services or loss is $150,000 or more:
- the offense is a felony of the third degree or
- a felony of the second degree if the victim is elderly or disabled.
Contact Hayes Law today. We will assess your case and take swift action in protecting you against an accusation of forgery.