What is a fake ID?
A fake ID refers to a kind of identification that doesn’t contain the real information of the holder. In some cases, the information may be altered or forged. Alternatively, a fake ID may be used to create a false identity of an individual. It is worthwhile to understand that using fake IDs is not a new phenomenon because they have been in existence for many years.
Fake IDs afford people privileges to things that they should normally not have been able to access. For instance, a teenager can use a fake ID to obtain alcohol. Otherwise, an adult can use a fake ID in Florida to rent accommodation, cash a check, and so on.
Can you go to jail for having a fake ID?
Having explained what a fake ID is, it is paramount to go back to the main question. Without mincing words, you can go to jail for using a fake ID. The possession of a fake ID is against the law. The laws punish individuals that both use a fake ID, as well as those with real IDs that don’t belong to them.
According to the laws, you can be punished with a jail sentence if you own, produce, use, or sell fake IDs. Similarly, you can be jailed if you alter the details of a real ID.
As stated by Florida Statute 322.212, it is illegal for anyone to “knowingly have in his or her possession or to display any blank, forged, stolen, fictitious, counterfeit, or unlawfully issued driver license or identification card.” This statute shows that having a fake ID is an offense that is punishable under the law. Therefore, if you own a fake ID, prosecutors may file charges that may put you in jail.
In general, Florida law stipulates the following punishments for anyone caught with a fake ID in Florida:
- First offense
- If you are caught with a fake ID in Florida for the first time, you can spend as much as 1 year in prison for the offense. In addition to the jail term, you may pay a fine of about $1,000.
- Second offense
- For anyone caught with a fake ID a second time, they may be sentenced to up to 5 years in jail. Also, such an individual may attract as much as $5,000 in fines.
What can you do when caught with a fake ID?
If you are caught with a fake ID in Florida, you should understand the gravity of the offense and the possibility of spending some time in prison, especially if you have been arrested for it before. Whatever the case may be, don’t hesitate to contact our expert at Mitch Krause PA. We can assist in defending you against this charge. Our attorney is experienced and fully equipped with the knowledge of how fake ID laws work; hence, he understands the best way to help you in this situation.
