We know that many minors face legal matters that involve alcohol and fake identifications. With this in mind, we’d like to consider what happens when you are a minor and charged with using a fake ID.

Legal Penalties for Using Fake Identification

Legal penalties for using fake ID to purchase alcohol or enter a bar include the following:

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  Up to six months of jail time
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  Fine of up to $2,500
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  Suspension of diver’s license
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  Restriction from applying for a driver’s license for six months

In addition to the above, additional penalties may be applied, resulting in even harsher punishment than already specified. The exact circumstances of your case will determine the additional fines and penalties applied to the above.

We covered the consequences and legal penalties of using fake IDs to purchase alcohol in more detail in a previous post on this blog. We encourage you to read that post for additional information about the legal penalties that are associated with these charges.

What can I do if I have been charged with using a fake ID?

Given that we’ve written about the legal penalties already, we want to consider the next important issue regarding these charges. Let’s shift our focus to how a legal defense strategy would work if you or your child has been accused of this crime.

Looking at the Circumstances of the Arrest

If a minor is pulled over by law enforcement, it’s important to consider the legality and the Constitutionality of the action. The most important question to consider is if the arresting officer had a good reason to pull you over. If you were abiding by all traffic laws and your vehicle was functioning properly (e.g., all lights and blinkers working properly, proper plates and tags on vehicle), you may have been pulled over without reason and had your rights violated.

If a fake ID was discovered by the proprietor/employee of a liquor store, bar, or club, the nature of the incident must be carefully considered. They are clearly not subject to the same scrutiny as an officer of the peace, and yet there may be questionable actions on their part that can help us craft a strong legal defense.

In essence, we always want to make sure that nothing transpired leading up to the arrest that may be considered illegal, unethical, or out of the ordinary. Odd circumstances may be brought up to help reduce penalties or argue that certain charges ought to be dropped.

Presenting Evidence That Speaks to Fairness

Our goal is to make sure the system works, which means that we will always delivery a robust defense no matter what penalties you face. We will work to reduce punishments and advise clients on what they can do following their case to address their needs going forward. Just know that our lawyers will be here for you, and that is a promise that you can count on.

Speak with Our DUI Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you have been accused of using a fake ID to purchase alcohol or your have a son or daughter who has been accused of this crime, be sure to contact our DUI criminal defense attorneys today. We at the Law Office of James Novak will make sure that your have a strong defense in place and that you receive a fair shake from the law. We want to make sure our system works for everyone.

We notice that many people who are not of legal age to drink often make poor decisions and attempt to purchase alcohol or gain access to bars. Many times this is done with the use of a fake ID. These kinds of choices shouldn’t be taken lightly since it’s a serious crime.

Using Fake Identification is Illegal

Any use of a fake document as proof of age is a violation of the law. This covers the use of a fabricated ID that makes you seem older as well as the use of another person’s ID in an attempt to pretend you are that individual.

Even tampering with or altering a legitimate form of government identification such as a passport or a driver’s license is against the law.

Penalties for the Use of Fake IDs

The penalties for using a fake ID are stiff and vary a bit depending on the circumstances.

Those who use a fake ID to misrepresent their age and purchase alcohol are subject to a fine of up to $2,500 as well as up to six months in jail. In those cases, the person’s legitimate driver’s license is suspended for six months if he or she is convicted. When the minor does not have a legitimate driver’s license, they will be disallowed from applying for a license for six months.

If a minor uses another person’s identity to create a fake ID, this is a potential act of identity theft. Fines can reach up to $150,000 and violators may also be required to spend a year and a half in prison.

Additional Penalties Can Mount from Related Charges

The use of a fake ID is not the only thing that you can be charged for. The penalties can mount up given the circumstances of your case.

For instance, it is a violation of Arizona state law for a person under the age of 21 to drink, purchase, receive, or have in their possession an alcoholic beverage. The same goes for minors falsifying their identity to get into a bar or club. If a minor who is a drunk driver present his or her fake ID to a police officer, that is also a crime. All of these carry their own penalties.

Knowing Your Legal Options and What You Can Do

Given the severity of multiple charges stacked together, it helps to have a skilled attorney working with you on your case. Our firm will help you make smart legal decisions with regard to all such issues, finding ways to reduce penalties when possible.

Learn More About Drunk Driving Cases

For more information about the legal penalties related to drunk driving cases, be sure to contact our DUI defense attorneys today. The entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you with all of your legal needs. We will help you make the right choices with regard to your legal options.