Cincinnati Federal Crimes Blog

Signing someone else's name on a legal document, creating a fake ID or presenting a forged check to be cashed, could all be charged as the white collar crime called forgery. Under Ohio Revised Code, Section 2913.31, forgery can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the crime.

Generally, selling or creating fake IDs are classified as first-degree misdemeanors, while other forgery crimes are typically classified as fifth-degree felonies. However, forgery crimes can result in second to fourth-degree felonies is certain circumstances. For example, if the crime victimizes an elderly or disabled person, or if the property, services or loss is valued at $150,000 or more, it may be classified as a third-degree felony.

When people think of drug crimes, they often think of possessing or distributing illegal substances, such as cocaine, LSD and heroin. However, possessing any drug without a prescription can result in criminal charges. In fact, with the prevalence of prescription drug abuse these days, law enforcement and criminal courts have been focused on cracking down on illegal prescription drug use and distribution.

In Ohio, possession or distribution of prescription drugs such as Oxycodone, Percocet and Xanax can result in serious legal consequences. Under Ohio Revised Code, Section 2925.11, prescription drug possession charges could result in a loss of a driver's license, fines, probation and jail time. In addition to legal consequences, additional consequences occur due to the conviction on one's record. For instance, those convicted may be disqualified from getting a loan or professional license, or have difficulty getting a job.

Anyone involved in any sort of business transaction is at risk of facing fraud charges. It is easy for someone to accuse one of obtaining another's money or property, or using that money or property for unlawful purposes or personal gain. Signing someone else's name to a document, falsifying documents, making false statements on a welfare or loan application or using a credit card without the owner's consent are all forms of fraud and could result in serious criminal charges.

With one's back against the wall, the accused may find themselves saying anything and everything to defend against these allegations. However, anything one says could easily be used against them by prosecutors as they build their case.

Perhaps one of the highest costs you deal with in your business is fees for disposing of unwanted materials. This may be especially expensive if your business deals with old tires, large buckets of paint or other hazardous items. While residents with a few tires or a limited number of half-full paint cans may have no trouble with disposal regulations, a business dealing in tons of restricted materials may face thousands in fees for proper disposal.

Unfortunately, some may take a short cut and dump their materials illegally. If you are facing charges for environmental crimes related to illegal dumping, you are not looking at a fine for littering. Depending on the type and amount of materials, you may be facing federal charges that can lead to severe consequences if a court convicts you.