The state of Ohio, and police and prosecutors in Cleveland, have a vested interest in ensuring that when a citizen is ordered to do something by a person displaying law enforcement insignia, that the insignia is valid and the person displaying it is properly empowered to conduct their activities. To this end, it is a crime in Ohio to put law enforcement insignia on your vehicle, and doing so can result in charges of Unlawful…
Tampering with Records Ohio When a person with no privilege to do so, and with the purpose to defraud another falsifies, destroys, removes, conceals, alter, or defaces writing, computer software, data, or a record, or transmits that false record knowing it has been tampered with, they may be charged with Tampering with Records (O.R.C. 2913.42) by Cleveland prosecutors. Misdemeanor vs. Felony Tampering with Records in OH Depending on the circumstances, you may be charged with…
Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (O.R.C. 2913.13) in Cleveland is charged when a vehicle – including watercraft, aircraft, automobiles, motorcycles, and other “motor-propelled vehicles” – is knowingly used without the consent of the owner or person authorized to issue consent. When these are the facts of your case, you will be charged with a first degree misdemeanor (six month sentence). If the vehicle is then taken outside of Ohio, or kept for longer than 48…
Displaying Matter Harmful to Juveniles (O.R.C. 2907.311) Displaying Matter Harmful to Juveniles (ORC 2907.311) is a charge typically reserved for Cleveland business owners or those who manage commercial establishments that have displayed obscene material and are facing criminal charges. Displaying matter harmful to juveniles is designed to restrain businesses from openly displaying material that is harmful to juveniles and that is in open view of juveniles, as part of the invited general public. Use of…