Fake ID Charges & Punishment

Many people nowadays are still oblivious that having a forged ID in your possession is a third-degree crime. Even though it is criminal to have counterfeit identification, minors and young people may be lured to obtain phony driver’s licenses or other forms of identification cards to buy alcohol and enter pubs and clubs.

Competent legal assistance is essential if you have been accused of possessing a fraudulent ID and fake ID charges. Your options for defense and the potential consequences under the law can be explained in detail by an experienced attorney.

Is Having a Fake ID a Felony?

While there are several fake ID accusations, all of them are considered Class A Misdemeanors in the Lone Star State of Texas. However, depending on the specifics, a forged ID could lead to felony charges.

Having a phony ID can result in many charges in this situation. Disclosing false identification has far-reaching implications beyond just the criminal charges and penalties that can be levied against offenders. Whenever someone uses a phony ID, they put several other people in danger and put themselves at risk of liability.

See Also: If Charges Are Dismissed Do You Have a Criminal Record?

Fake ID Punishment

Because using, creating, or carrying a fake ID can lead to a wide variety of offenses, it can also result in many sanctions.

When someone uses a phony ID, the offense is often charged as a misdemeanor. However, depending on the circumstance and the state, using a phony ID to buy a handgun or having a fake driver’s license can result in felony charges. Possession of any falsified government identity is a felony violation in various places.

Fake ID Charges

Charges related to the use of a fake ID vary from state to state. In New York, the most common charge is third-degree illegal possession of a forged instrument, which is considered a misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of one year in county jail. It’s important to note that the ability of your attorney to reduce the severity of the charge against you may not be guaranteed in all cases.

It’s essential to provide accurate and factual information to readers without encouraging or promoting the use of fake IDs. It’s also important to note that the severity of the charges and the outcome of legal proceedings depend on the specific circumstances of each case, and there is no guarantee of a specific outcome.

In Illinois, a fake ID charge is a class 4 crime. Nevertheless, it is highly uncommon for a young person to enter a pub. Police can act aggressively, though they typically don’t.

Fake ID Consequences

Penalties and fines are the two immediate repercussions of having a fraudulent ID.

• A misdemeanor conviction for having a phony ID can result in up to a year in jail, brief supervision, community work, and a $1,000 fine.
• Possession of a phony ID is a felony with a maximum sentence of three years in state jail, formal probation, community service, or paying a fine of up to $10,000.

Additional Personal Effects

• 1–3 years of driving privilege suspension
• 24–32 hours of voluntary work if alcohol-related

Should you get a Fake ID from your State?

There are a few good reasons why you shouldn’t get a false id from the state you live in:

• Your real ID and fake ID should not look too similar. If they appear identical, that is a likely scenario.
• With a different name, the person verifying your ID is less likely to recognize you and start grilling you with questions you can’t answer.
• The individual you show your phony ID to is less likely to recognize your false address.
• Manufacturers and sellers of phony identification cards are savvy businesspeople. Those seeking a false ID are more likely to look for one that can be used in another country. They often only require it when purchasing alcoholic beverages or other restricted goods. Some people will use that to get a proper identification card.

Also Read: Federal Conspiracy Charges Sentences

FAQ’s

What is the penalty for using a fake ID in Florida? 

Any person caught using a fake ID, or driver’s license faces up to 5 years in jail, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine, as this is a third-degree felony. Possible penalties include up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for a first offense.

Is having a fake ID a criminal Offence?

The unlawful possession or control of any false identification document, another person’s identity file, or any device, article, or substance is known to him to be created or adapted for creating false identification papers is a crime under Section 25(5).

Is it wise to buy a fake ID online? 

If you buy a fake, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee you’ll get a fake. There is no guarantee that you will get what you bought from an untrustworthy source like a frat member who knows a guy or a sketchy website your acquaintance used once.

How are fake IDs shipped?

Typically, counterfeit IDs are sent to the United States in a package with other, less suspicious things. Numerous manufacturers are well-known for sending identification documents by mail at the bottom of any box.