Ohio Forgery and Counterfeiting Laws

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed January 12, 2018

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Most states, including Ohio, have laws to stop and prevent counterfeiting and forgery. Ohio's forgery and counterfeiting laws cover (but are not limited to): passing bad checks, misuse of credit cards, and trademark counterfeiting. The penalties for these types of crimes vary depending on the circumstances of the crime. For example, misuse of a credit card is generally a first degree misdemeanor; however, if the victim is elderly or a disabled adult or if the value of the property involved is $1,000 or more the crime is elevated to a felony.

Ohio Forgery and Counterfeiting Laws Overview

Below you will find key provisions of forgery and counterfeiting laws in Ohio.

Statute(s)

Ohio Revised Code Title XXIX. Crimes Procedure Sections:
What's Prohibited?

Passing Bad Checks: With purpose to defraud, issue a check knowing that: (1) it'll be dishonored or (2) a person has ordered or will order stop payment on the check.

Misuse of Credit Cards: Practice deception in order to procure the issuance of a credit card, or knowingly buy/sell a credit card from/to a person other than the issuer. It's also prohibited to do any of the following with purpose to defraud:

  • Obtain control over a credit card as security for a debt;
  • Use a credit card knowing that it's expired or revoked;
  • Provide property/services knowing the credit card being offered is being used in violation of the law; or
  • Falsely represent to the issuer of a credit card that property/services have been provided.

Forgery:

  • With purpose to defraud or knowingly facilitate a fraud, reproduce someone else's writing or use or display any writing knowing that it's been forged; or
  • Knowingly fabricate an identification card (i.d.), or sell/distribute an i.d. knowing that it's forged.

Trademark Counterfeiting: Knowingly:

  • Attach a counterfeit mark in connection with the manufacture of goods or services;
  • Possess or sell tools/machines knowing that they are designed to produce counterfeit marks; or
  • Sell an item with the knowledge that a counterfeit mark is used in connection with the sale.
Charges

Charges under Ohio's forgery and counterfeiting laws will vary from a first degree misdemeanor to a second degree felony depending on the specific circumstances of the forgery or counterfeiting.
Penalties

Second degree felony: 2-8 years in prison and fines not exceeding $15,000.

Third degree felony: 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, or 36 months in prison and fines not exceeding $10,000.

Fourth degree felony: 6-18 months in prison and fines not exceeding $5,000.

Fifth degree felony: 6-12 months in prison and fines not exceeding $2,500.

First degree misdemeanor: up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.

Related Offense(s)

Ohio Revised Code Title XXIX. Crimes Procedure Sections:

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Ohio Forgery and Counterfeiting Laws: Related Resources

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Get Legal Help with Your Forgery or Counterfeiting Case in Ohio

While financial crimes may not seem as serious as other crimes, such as murder or robbery, a conviction can have a lasting impact on your life and your family. If you're facing forgery or counterfeiting charges in Ohio, it may be in your best interest to contact a criminal defense attorney in Ohio to help you evaluate the evidence in your case.

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