Fake ID

Visitors flock to Florida from all over the country, and even from all over the world, to enjoy the beaches, family entertainment, and spring break.  Many high school and college students come here to relax, enjoy themselves, and maybe even party a little – and some do it with a fake id.

When a person hears that a fake id was used, it is often assumed that the individual is under the legal drinking age and wants to either purchase alcohol or even enter into a club or bar; and that seems innocent enough… but since 9/11, laws have been put into place to create harsh penalties for crimes involving fraudulent or altered government documents, and this includes fake ids.

Using a fake id in Florida is a 3rd degree felony. The individual can be charged and found guilty of this offense.  This means that the person can receive up to 5 years in jail and up to $5,000 of fines!

Did you know even if you lend your driver’s license to a friend (allowing them to purchase alcohol or enter a club or bar) you can also be charged with a 2nd degree misdemeanor!  This means that you could spend up to 60 days in jail and acquire fines of up to $500. You both could have your license suspended for 1 year.  Most young people do not realize the consequences of a seemingly nice gesture.

Now… let’s say you have a fake id in your back pocket, you are driving around the city and are pulled over by a police officer.  If you were to give false information to the officer, it now becomes a 1st degree misdemeanor and you can face up to 1 year in jail!  If you happen to have alcohol in the car and are under the age of 21, you now have the charge of possession of alcohol by a minor added to the charge of having a fake id.

The situations listed above are assuming the individual is over the age of 18. Those that are less than 18 years old and caught with a fake id receive less penalties, and their records can be sealed.

But WAIT, there’s more…

Let’s consider one more instance.  If you purchase a fake id online, you’ll pay for this fake id online by using a credit card.  This opens you up to having your identity stolen.  Do you think the person you gave all your credit card and personal information to would have a problem reselling that information to someone else? No.

The consequences of buying, supplying, or using fake ids are VERY high. Unfortunately, may people do not realize this and only find this out when it’s way too late.  Your original intention may be as innocent as wanting to go to the club with your friends, but if you are arrested you need to call a criminal defense attorney immediately!

At the Law Office of Travis Koon, we know that you are probably a good person who just made a bad mistake, but the life-long ramifications of having a criminal record are very heavy to bear.  Let us help you and try to have these charges reduced or removed.

We are defense attorneys in Lake City, FL with offices located in Lake City, Gainesville, and Miami. Call us regarding your case, and we will work diligently to defend you!

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