R.C. 2913.31 makes it forgery to forge, falsely create, or utter a writing with purpose to defraud. Forgery is generally a fifth-degree felony, rising with value to a fourth- or third-degree felony, and it is frequently charged alongside identity fraud, theft, or telecommunications fraud. The decisive element is the purpose to defraud.
Signing with apparent authority, a genuine misunderstanding about a document, or being an unwitting middleman are all situations that negate fraudulent intent — and therefore the charge.
How Ohio Classifies & Punishes Forgery
| Circumstance | Classification | Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| Forgery (baseline) | Felony 5 | 6–12 months prison |
| Value $7,500 to $150,000 | Felony 4 | 6–18 months prison |
| Value $150,000 or more | Felony 3 | 9–36 months prison |
How We Defend Forgery Charges
An arrest is an accusation, not a verdict. Our defense of a forgery charge begins with the questions the State would rather not answer:
- Whether the State can prove a purpose to defraud.
- Whether you had actual or apparent authority to sign or create the document.
- Whether the State can actually prove the required mental state (knowingly, purposely, recklessly) beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Whether the identification of you as the person responsible is reliable.
- Whether the alleged value is accurate.
We bring that same disciplined approach — testing every procedure, every protocol, and every piece of the State’s evidence — to forgery cases across our nine-county Southern Ohio footprint. Where the evidence supports it, we negotiate for reduction or dismissal; where it does not, we are prepared to try the case.
Forgery — Common Questions
Is forgery a felony in Ohio?
Yes — forgery is at minimum a fifth-degree felony, rising with the value involved. Because it is a fraud offense, the case stands or falls on whether the State can prove you acted with purpose to defraud.
What if I had permission to sign?
Actual or apparent authority to sign a document negates the fraudulent intent forgery requires. Documenting that authority is a central defense.
Why is forgery charged with identity fraud?
Prosecutors often stack forgery, identity fraud, and theft from the same underlying transaction. Defeating the intent element can knock out several counts at once.
Talk to a Theft & Property Crimes Defense Attorney Today
If you or someone you love is facing a forgery charge in Lawrence, Scioto, Jackson, Gallia, Athens, Adams, Meigs, Pike, or Ross County, call (740) 532-8744 for a free, confidential consultation. We have offices in Ironton and Chesapeake and respond the same business day in most cases.