Ohio Forgery Attorneys

What Is Forgery Under Ohio Law?

Forgery is defined in Ohio Revised Code § 2913.31. In general terms, forgery involves knowingly creating, altering, or using a writing or document in a way that is intended to deceive another person, especially when that deception causes personal gain for the perpetrator.

Under Ohio law, you may be charged with forgery if you allegedly:

• Forge a writing so that it appears to be genuine when it is not
• Knowingly utter, possess, or use a forged writing
• Create or alter a document to defraud or facilitate a fraud

A “writing” under the statute is broadly defined and can include far more than handwritten signatures. Forgery allegations may involve paper documents, electronic records, financial instruments, identification documents, contracts, or other items relied upon in legal or financial transactions.

Common Types of Forgery Allegations

Documents and records that are often involved in forgery charge cases include:

• Checks, money orders, or financial drafts
• Identification documents or credentials
• Contracts, leases, or legal agreements
• Business records or employment-related documents
• Electronic records, emails, or digitally signed materials

In many cases, forgery charges stem from business disputes, workplace issues, family conflicts, or misunderstandings about authority or permission. While prosecutors focus on whether a document was altered or misused, defense strategies often require a deeper examination of intent, context, and surrounding circumstances. 

With our decades of combined experience and leadership from one of Ohio’s very few attorneys to hold a Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law, we are prepared to dive into the details of a forgery accusation like not many other law firms are.

Ohio Forgery Charges Classifications

Forgery can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the nature of the alleged conduct and the type of document involved.

Misdemeanor Forgery

In some cases, forgery is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor. This charge typically applies when the alleged forgery does not involve particularly sensitive documents or a large-scale financial impact.

A misdemeanor forgery conviction may result in:

• Up to 180 days in jail
• Fines of up to $1,000
• Court costs and fees
• Probation or community control
• Permanent criminal record

Even at the misdemeanor level, a forgery conviction can damage professional credibility and future employment prospects.

Felony Forgery

Forgery may be charged as a felony, often a fifth-degree felony, when the alleged conduct involves certain types of writings or higher levels of potential harm. However, it is possible to be charged with a first-degree felony for forgery in Ohio.

Felony charges are more likely when forgery allegations involve:

• Government-issued documents
• Financial instruments with significant value
• Documents affecting legal rights or obligations
• Repeated or ongoing criminal conduct

A felony forgery conviction will carry penalties that vary depending on the degree, but may include:

• Between 6 months (fifth degree) and 11 years (first degree) in prison
• Fines between $2,500 (fifth degree) and $20,000 (first degree)
• Up to 5 years of community control (fifth and fourth degree)
• Between 1 and 5 years of post-release control (third degree through first degree)
• Long-term consequences for licensing, employment, and housing

Why Forgery Is Considered a Serious White-Collar Crime

Forgery is categorized as a white-collar crime because it centers on trust, documentation, and financial or legal reliance. Allegations usually involve claims that someone relied on a document believing it to be authentic, only to later discover it was altered or misrepresented.

Because these cases often hinge on intent, they are rarely as straightforward as they appear. A key issue is whether you knowingly acted with the purpose to defraud, or whether the situation arose from miscommunication, lack of authorization, or an honest mistake.

How Patituce & Associates Defends Forgery Cases

When you work with Patituce & Associates, your case is handled by a legal team with deep experience in criminal defense and white-collar matters. 

Our approach to forgery cases includes:

• Careful review of the alleged forged documents
• Analysis of intent and authorization issues
• Examination of how the document was used and by whom
• Evaluation of financial records and timelines
• Identification of weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence

Our attorneys understand how prosecutors build forgery and theft cases and how to challenge assumptions that may not be supported by the facts.

Potential Defenses to Forgery Charges

No defense applies to every case, and no attorney can promise a particular outcome. However, what we can say is that if we accept your case, we won’t hold back or give up. 

At Patituce & Associates, we can use our extensive experience and resources to review allegedly forged documents, evaluate financial records, interview potential third-party witnesses, and more, all to prepare a strong defense case for you.

Depending on the circumstances, possible defense strategies for forgery charges may include:

• Lack of intent to defraud
• Authorization or permission to sign or alter a document
• Mistaken identity or incorrect attribution
• Insufficient evidence linking you to the alleged forgery
• Errors in document handling or the chain of custody
• Misinterpretation of business or contractual authority

Begin Your Forgery Defense Case By Calling Now

If you are facing forgery charges in Ohio, early legal guidance can help you get control of your case as it unfolds. Whether the allegation involves a single document or many, you deserve a defense that is thorough, strategic, informed, and prepared by some of Ohio’s most trusted forgery defense attorneys.

With eight local offices, we serve clients across Ohio:

• Cleveland
• Columbus
• Akron
• Toledo
• Cincinnati
• Beachwood
• Independence
• Strongsville
• Dayton

We are ready to meet with you. Call (440) 771-1175 to get started with a free consultation. We're available 24/7.