Fake ID or False Identification Charges in Pennsylvania
Possession of a fake ID is a very common crime among young people in Pennsylvania, where there are so many colleges and universities. This has caused bars and liquor stores to crack down on the use of fake IDs, in fear of receiving fines.
If you were charged with possession of a fake ID chances are you are young and just starting out your life as an adult. Beginning life with a crime on your record makes it difficult when applying for a job, housing, loans or school.
It may not seem like a bid deal, but this type of crime can mean having to appear in court, being sentenced to up to 90 days in jail, losing your license, and a criminal record.
You will have to report that you have been found guilty of a crime and explain the situation to future employers, educators, and landlords.
Don’t Be Scared; Be Prepared!
But a charge or citation is not a conviction. Do not give up without a fight. Seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately who can fight your charges and help you keep your freedom.
_______________________________________________
A FAKE ID ARREST DOES NOT
MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY FOR A
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
________________________________________________
Receiving a Citation for Possession of a Fake ID / False Identification
If you are caught in possession of an identification card that does not belong to you or has been manufactured for you with false identification information, that is a crime.
The law specifically states in Title 18 §6310.3 of the Pennsylvania Code of Laws that it is against the law for a person, being under 21 years of age, if he or she:
Possesses an identification card falsely identifying that person by name, age, date of birth or photograph as being 21 years of age or older or obtains or attempts to obtain liquor or malt or brewed beverages by using the identification card of another or by using an identification card that has not been lawfully issued to or in the name of that person who possesses the card.
You can be charged with possession of a fake ID whether or not you used it in an attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages. If the police find the ID on your person, or a bouncer confiscates your ID and hands it over to the police, you can still be charged even though you never used it to purchase alcohol.
Having a fake ID card is a separate offense from underage drinking. In PA, it is illegal for a minor to purchase, try to purchase, consume, possess or knowingly transport alcoholic beverages. So, if you have been caught in possession of alcohol, purchasing or trying to purchase alcohol, with alcohol in your system, or knowingly transporting alcohol, AND you are in possession of a fake or false ID, you will be facing two separate criminal charges.
Further, in an effort to discourage others, possessing a fake or false ID is often prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Under Title 18 §6307 of the PA Consolidated Statutes, it is also a crime to misrepresent your age in order to purchase alcoholic beverages.
Specifically, it is crime for any person under 21 years of age to:
- Knowingly and falsely represents himself to be 21 years of age or older to any licensed dealer, distributor or other person, for the purpose of procuring or having furnished to him, any liquor or malt or brewed beverages.
Therefore, if you are in possession of a fake or false ID and also use it to purchase alcohol, thus representing yourself as over the age of 21, you are in violation of an additional law.
Manufacturing Fake IDs / False Identification Cards
It is also illegal to make or sell fake or false ID cards. Therefore, if you were able to make your own fake ID or somehow alter your own ID card, and you are caught in possession of it, you will be charged with manufacturing a fake ID as well.
Specifically stated in Title 18 §6310.2 of the PA Consolidated Statutes, it is a crime for any person to:
- Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly manufacture, make, alter, sell or attempt to sell an identification card falsely representing the identity, birth date or age of another.
While simply being in possession of a false or fake ID card is enough to get you into trouble, if you attempt to use it to purchase alcohol or you are responsible for manufacturing or altering your ID card, you have committed multiple crimes and therefore could suffer more severe penalties.
______________________________________________
BEING CHARGED WITH A FAKE ID DOES NOT
MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY FOR A
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
________________________________________________
Penalties for Fake ID / False Identification Cards in Pennsylvania
Depending on how a fake ID is used and how it was obtained, the punishment can vary.
Penalties for Possession of a Fake ID
For example, if you were simply caught in possession of a fake ID, you will be charged with a summary offense and special fines for a first violation of the law. A third degree misdemeanor will apply for any subsequent violation. The law also includes that the police department making the arrest will notify the offenders’ parents.
The penalty for Possession of a Fake ID is a summary offense in Pennsylvania and carries the penalty of:
- Up to 90 days in jail;
- Up to $300 in fines;
- Loss of motor vehicle license for up to 90 days for a first offense.
Penalties for Using a Fake ID to Purchase Alcohol
If you are arrested for misrepresenting your age to purchase alcohol, you will be charged with a summary offense and special fines for a first violation of the law. A third degree misdemeanor will apply for any subsequent offense.
The penalty for Using a Fake ID to Purchase Alcohol is a summary offense in Pennsylvania and carries the penalty of:
- Up to 90 days in jail;
- Up to $300 in fines;
- Loss of motor vehicle license for up to 90 days for a first offense.
Penalties for Manufacturing / Distribution of Fake IDs
If you are arrested for manufacturing or selling fake ID cards, the penalties are more severe. For a first offense you will be charged with a second degree misdemeanor and special fines.
The penalty for Manufacturing or Selling Fake IDs is a second degree misdemeanor in Pennsylvania and carries a penalty of:
- Up to two years in jail;
- $1,000 fine for first violation and up to $2,500 in fines for each subsequent violation.
Other Repercussions of a Being Convicted of Fake ID Charges
In addition to the punishments that the law will enforce, many colleges and universities have codes of conduct that students must adhere to while admitted to study.
If convicted of any of the crimes involving fake IDs, you may also suffer whatever punishment your college or university deems appropriate. Keeping your record clean can help alleviate the added stress of a further punishment.
First time offenders may be eligible for an adjudication alternative program. This means that in lieu of jail time and fines, you agree to do community service and/or counseling.
Upon completion of the program the charges will be dropped and your record will remain clean. This option is only available to some first time offenders and you should consult a defense attorney immediately to help facilitate this process to help maintain your reputation.
Having a criminal record can make it very difficult to get into colleges, rent an apartment, take a loan out for a car, or get a job. Your rights and freedom are well worth the fight.
______________________________________________
A FAKE ID ARREST DOES NOT
MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY FOR A
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
________________________________________________
Shrager Defense Attorneys – We Fight for Your Rights
Depending on the crime and circumstances, our attorneys may be able to have your record expunged or even sealed against future employers or colleges being able to view you or your child’s record.
Our goal is to have the charges dismissed altogether so you can keep your record clean and move toward the future.
A crime committed by someone just beginning their adult life does not have to effect the rest of their life when there are so many options available.
Do not make your future more difficult by not taking every possible step to protect it – call me, Attorney David Shrager today for a free consultation.
Shrager Defense Attorneysare compassionate attorneys here to help you understand your rights.
Call or Text Attorney David Shrager today for a free consultation. His personal cell phone number is 412-969-2540. He will aggressively fight for your future.
Fight for your rights — call or text Attorney Shrager today for a free consultation.
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