MENU

Riverside:

(951) 667-5293

Orange County:

(714) 758-5293

who you hire can make all the difference

Mr. Donath has spent his entire career defending people and standing up for the rights of the accused.

request a free consultation
  • former deputy public defender

    As a former Deputy Public Defender in Riverside County, Mr. Donath has always been on the defense side of the law. 

  • award winning certified criminal law specialist

    Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California 2012-2014, 2008 Trial Attorney of the Year by the Riverside County Public Defender's Office, and dozens of other awards and accolades.

  • a true passion for defending the accused

    Your lawyer should have a passion for defense, not just a passion for money. Reputation, vigor, and determination go a long way in this business.

Request Consultation

request a free confidential consultation

*all fields are required
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Penalties For Using a Fake ID

Posted in Criminal Defense on November 13, 2019

TV shows and movies depict teens and young adults obtaining fake IDs for a number of reasons, usually to buy alcohol and cigarettes or to get into clubs and bars. However innocent these interactions may seem on screen, a person caught using a fake ID in California can face a range of consequences. In this state, the law defines a fake ID as any driver’s license or other identification card issued by a government agency that has been:

  • Falsified
  • Duplicated
  • Altered
  • Forges
  • Reproduced
  • Counterfeited

Penalties for Using a Fake ID

Possessing a fake ID in California is considered a “wobbler” offense, meaning that it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the facts of the case and the person’s prior criminal record.

  • A misdemeanor possession of a fake ID charge is punishable by:
    • Up to 1 year in jail
    • A fine of up to $1,000
    • Community service
    • Summary probation
  • A felony possession of a fake ID charge is punishable by:
    • Up to 3 years in state prison
    • A fine of up to $10,000
    • Community service
    • Formal probation

Additionally, a person could face a driver’s license suspension for one to three years.

California Fake ID Laws

Consequences as a student

Many colleges and universities have their own systems of punishment in place for students convicted of crimes. These punishments can happen regardless of whether or not a person is convicted of a crime in California. Possession of a fake ID or alcohol when under 21 could lead to a college or university:

  • placing a student on probation
  • the loss of scholarships
  • removal from sports teams or clubs
  • suspended parking privileges
  • removal from university housing
  • removal from the school

What if I was caught with alcohol?

It is illegal for a person under 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol in California. If you have been caught and charged with misdemeanor minor in possession of alcohol, you could lose your driver’s license for up to one year. If you were driving and your blood alcohol was .05% or higher you will be charged with DUI. If there was any trace of alcohol in your body, your license will automatically be suspended for one year.

What Happens Next?

A conviction of a fake ID charge will appear and remain on your permanent record. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can have lasting consequences. Many people are asked if they have previously been convicted of a crime on applications for jobs or to graduate schools. A criminal record can also affect a person’s ability to become a lawyer, doctor, teacher, accountant, or other licensed professional in California.

If you have been charged with possessing a fake ID in California, it is imperative you secure a skilled criminal defense attorney who understands these cases. An attorney will take the time to get to know you and your case. They will:

  • obtain all of the evidence being used against you from law enforcement and the prosecutor
  • determine the facts of the case
  • negotiate with the prosecutor to have the charges reduced or dropped
  • work to arrange for community service in lieu of a conviction that will show up on your record