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For many individuals, the term “criminal simulation” remains shrouded in mystery, or is simply unknown to them, until they find themselves facing a criminal simulation charge. It’s not a phrase commonly understood by the public, as we do not hear it in the media, books, or in day to day conversation. Often, people only encounter the concept of criminal simulation once they’re enthralled in the legal complexities and faced with the consequences of it.

However, seeking legal representation, particularly from a reputable firm like the Joslyn Law Firm, can swiftly shed light on the question of what is criminal simulation. When consulting with a criminal defense attorney at the Joslyn Law Firm, clients can expect to receive comprehensive information about what exactly a criminal simulation charge entails. Understanding the nature and implications of the charge is crucial in fully understanding the legal consequences of committing the crime in question.

What Is Criminal Simulation?

Essentially, a criminal simulation charge constitutes a form of fraud intended to deceive others into believing that an item or piece of property is worth more than it actually is. Fraud refers to knowingly engaging in activities aimed at deceiving others. The legal criminal simulation definition is specifically outlined in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 2913.32), and states “No person, with purpose to defraud, or knowing that the person is facilitating a fraud, shall do any of the following: Make or alter any object so that it appears to have value because of antiquity, rarity, curiosity, source, or authorship, which it does not in fact possess;”

What Does Criminal Simulation Mean?

Anyone can look up the legal criminal simulation definition in Ohio, however it often leaves people asking themselves what does criminal simulation mean? Criminal simulation involves trying to make something seem more valuable than it actually is, or creating a false impression about its worth. It’s legally defined as a form of fraud that is aimed at tricking others for financial gain. This could include altering the appearance or characteristics of an item to make it appear more valuable or authentic than it really is. In simpler terms, it’s akin to trying to pass off something as worth more than it truly is, all with the intention of defrauding others.

Common Examples Of Criminal Simulation In Ohio

Determining whether an act is considered to be engaging in criminal simulation can be challenging due to the subtlety and variety of deceptive practices involved. At the Joslyn Law Firm, we recognize the complexities of identifying common examples of criminal simulation in Ohio. That’s why we’re committed to providing clear criminal simulation examples for each instance in which criminal simulation is defined under Ohio law, ensuring our clients understand the implications and nuances of such charges.

• Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2913.32(1), altering an antique vase to appear older and more valuable than what its true age or origin is can be deemed as “Make or alter any object so that it appears to have value because of antiquity, rarity, curiosity, source, or authorship, which it does not in fact possess.” This practice exemplifies criminal simulation, as it involves manipulating the perceived value of an item without altering its inherent characteristics.
• Another common example of criminal simulation in this case can be manufacturing counterfeit DVDs of popular movies and representing them as authentic products. This is considered to be criminal simulation, as it involves deceiving buyers about the true nature of the items they are purchasing. Ohio Revised Code Section 2913.32(2) prohibits practices of deception, otherwise known as fraud, in the production or alteration of various forms of media, including:
• • Photographs
  • Movie films
  • Videotapes
  • Phonograph records
  • Recording tapes
• According to Ohio Revised Code Section 2913.32(3), criminal simulation includes falsely or fraudulently making, or altering any label, stamp, cork, or cap on bottles of alcohol, or selling a bottle that has a reused label on it. An example of this would be reusing a liquor bottle cap and placing it on a different bottle of alcohol in order to sell it, thus misleading customers into thinking that the contents of the bottle are from a reputable source when they’re not.
• Reading any document or object out loud that you falsely claim to be valuable or have in your possession with the intent to deceive listeners about its authenticity and value is considered to be an act of criminal simulation. For instance, publicly reciting a forged letter allegedly penned by a renowned historical figure, while falsely attributing significance to it, falls under the legal definition of criminal simulation under Ohio Revised Code Section 2913.32 (4)

Legal Penalties For A Criminal Simulation Charge In Ohio

If convicted of criminal simulation in Ohio, the penalties vary depending on the value of the loss to the victim and the severity of the criminal simulation offense. At a minimum, a simple first-degree misdemeanor criminal simulation charge can lead to up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, if the value of the loss to the victim of criminal simulation falls between $1,000 and $7,500, the charge will then escalate to a fifth-degree felony. When this happens, those charged with criminal simulation will then face potential jail or prison time, as well as fines and fees proportionate with the circumstances of the crime.

If the criminal simulation conviction is deemed to have a value of loss that ranges between $7,500 and $150,000, the charge becomes a fourth-degree felony. This level of felony escalates to include more severe penalties, including the possibility of an extended jail or prison sentence and higher fines. However, these are all contingent upon the specifics of the case.

Furthermore, if the value of the loss to the victim exceeds $150,000, the criminal simulation conviction then escalates to a third-degree felony. Those convicted of third-degree felonies face significant jail or prison time and substantial financial penalties, including recompensing for the financial loss of the victim. The amount of jail/prison time and financial penalties are determined by the individual circumstances surrounding the crime. Seeking legal counsel from a Columbus criminal defense attorney is crucial in navigating the complexities of a criminal simulation charge and provides great assistance in mounting a robust defense.

How A Columbus Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help Fight A Criminal Simulation Charge

A Columbus criminal defense attorney at the Joslyn Law Firm can offer vital legal advice and assistance in fighting criminal simulation charges by crafting solid defenses tailored to the specifics of each case. Strategies we may use to help fight your charges include:

• Meticulously documenting honest mistakes
• Highlighting a history of boastful behavior rather than fraudulent intent
• Establishing the intention behind actions as satire or commentary rather than deceit

It’s essential to recognize that while it may not be illegal to mistakenly trust in an object’s claimed authenticity, simply exaggerating the age or value of an item without soliciting inflated prices may also not constitute criminal simulation. When it comes to photos and films, alterations made for comedic, editorial, or artistic purposes, these may not meet the criteria for criminal simulation as well. A skilled criminal defense attorney at our firm can navigate these nuances and work hard to build a strong defense to safeguard clients’ rights and reputations in the face of criminal charges.

Contact A Criminal Defense Attorney in Ohio About Your Criminal Simulation Charges

If you live in our near Columbus, OH and have been charged with criminal simulation, forgery, or fraud of any kind we urge you to contact the team here at the Joslyn Law Firm. We have years of experience dealing with these types of charges as well as good working relationships with the prosecutors in Franklin County. Contact our Columbus law office today online or call (614) 444-1900 to set up a free case evaluation.