Are you facing forgery charges? Forgery is considered a white-collar crime in Dayton, OH. Do not presume that because it is a white-collar crime, you will not face severe penalties for a conviction. A forgery conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences and high fines.
Our Dayton forgery attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, have over 100 years of combined experience and a successful track record of winning the toughest criminal cases. Our team includes a former prosecutor and a former police officer who understand the criminal justice system from all aspects.
Contact our firm today at (937) 531-0435 to schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer. We are available 24/7 to discuss your situation.
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How Our Dayton Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You Fight Forgery Charges in Ohio
If you have been charged with forgery in Dayton, Ohio, you need an experienced legal team to defend you. When you hire our award-winning Dayton criminal defense lawyers, you can trust we will:
- Investigate the circumstances of your forgery arrest
- Gather evidence to support a defense strategy to fight the charges
- Analyze the evidence the state has against you
- Hire the best experts to assist with your forgery defense
- Discuss your legal options, including the advantages of negotiating a fair plea deal
- Aggressively defend you in court and argue your case at trial if that is in your best interest
Our legal team has over a century of experience between them fighting for the rights of the accused. We have top ratings and recognition from national organizations, including Super Lawyers, Expertise.com, Avvo, and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Call our Dayton white-collar crime lawyers today for a free consultation.
Call today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Dayton forgery lawyers. We provide aggressive legal representation to protect your rights.
What Is Forgery?
Ohio Revised Code §2913.31 defines the crime of forgery in Ohio. You can be charged with forgery if you do any of the following with the intent to defraud someone or knowing that a person is facilitating a fraud:
- Forge the writing of someone else without their permission
- Forge writing so that it claims to be genuine when it is fake
- For writing so that it appears to be the act of someone who did not authorize it
- Forge writing to include terms, a date, or a place that is different from the actual facts
- Forge writing so that it appears to be a copy of an original when no such original existed
- State or possess with the intent to state any writing that you know to have been forged
It is also unlawful to forge an identification card or sell or distribute an identification card you know to have been forged. An identification card is a card that includes someone’s personal information or characteristics to establish identity.
What Are the Penalties for a Forgery Conviction in Dayton, OH?
Forging an identification card usually results in a misdemeanor charge. You could serve up to 180 days in jail and pay a fine of $1,000 if convicted. Otherwise, forgery is a felony of the fifth degree. The penalty for a conviction of a fifth-degree forgery felony is six to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
However, the law makes exceptions under certain circumstances.
For example, if the forgery involves the loss of property valued at $7,500 to $150,000, the charge increases to a fourth-degree felony. A conviction could result in six to 18 months in jail and a fine of $5,000. The charge increases to a third-degree felony if the amount of the lost property totals more than $150,000. You face up to three years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines for a third-degree felony conviction.
The charges for forgery increase if the crime is against a disabled or elderly person. Depending on the facts, you could face a third-degree or second-degree felony charge. You can receive up to eight years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000 for a second-degree felony.
Are There Defenses to Forgery Charges in Dayton, OH?
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help prepare a defense for forgery charges. Potential defenses depend on the circumstances and evidence. However, you might be able to argue that you did not commit the crime or that you are not the person who committed the forgery. Your attorney may also argue that there was a lack of intent to commit forgery.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Dayton Forgery Lawyer
A forgery charge is a serious criminal offense. Do not ignore the charges or wait until the last minute to hire an attorney. If you are under investigation or have been arrested, call Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to talk with one of our Dayton forgery attorneys. We offer a free initial consultation.
