The Risks of Using a Fake ID in Pennsylvania
Maybe it’s the fear of missing out on your freshman year of college. Or perhaps you’ve been tasked with getting alcohol for the next party. Whatever the reasoning may be, it’s not uncommon for young adults to find themselves securing fake IDs in Pennsylvania. While they may think it’s not a big deal, the reality is that if you are found in possession of a fake ID card, you can face hefty penalties. With new technology, spotting fake IDs is only getting easier for businesses that serve alcohol. The criminal defense attorneys of Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam explain what college students need to know about fake identification.
Charges for a Fake ID Card or Using False Identification in Pennsylvania
According to Pennsylvania Criminal Code,
“A person commits a summary offense for a first violation and a misdemeanor of the third degree for any subsequent violation if he, being under 21 years of age, 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.”
If found guilty of carrying a false identification card, the individual may face a fine of no more than $500.
In addition, if an individual misrepresents his or her age to purchase alcoholic beverages, they may face fines up to $500 and be charged with a summary offense for a first violation and a misdemeanor of the third degree for any subsequent violations.
The Dangers of Owning Fake IDs
It’s important to note that the mere possession of a fake ID card is enough for the prosecution to establish guilt as a minor/individual under 21 years of age. The individual does not have to be in the act of using the fake ID card to be charged or convicted of this crime.
These crimes not only carry a penalty in the form of a fine–if found guilty, the individual may face:
- License suspension for 90 days for a first offense,
- A one-year license suspension for a second offense, or
- For any additional offenses thereafter, a license suspension of two years served consecutively.
So, if using a fake ID card to purchase alcohol, you can face multiple penalties.
Manufacturing Fake IDs in Pennsylvania
Not only is possessing or using a fake ID card a crime in Pennsylvania but so is manufacturing them. Under Title 18 §6310.2 of the PA Consolidated Statutes, “A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if he intentionally, knowingly or recklessly manufactures, makes, alters, sells or attempts to sell an identification card falsely representing the identity, birth date or age of another.”
If found guilty of manufacturing or selling fake IDs, individuals may face a fine of no less than $1,000 for the first violation. They face a fine of no less than $2,500 for each subsequent violation after the first. In both the possession and selling of fake IDs in Pennsylvania, you can also face potential jail time.
Obviously, if you are charged with the possession or sale of a fake ID while in college, it will be harder to move forward with life. Your criminal record can follow you. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options.
In some cases, you may qualify for adjudication alternative programs, such as community service, counseling, etc., to account for your crime. However, it is imperative that you seek counsel as soon as you face legal troubles. Time will be of the essence to lessen your penalties for the crimes committed.
Penalties for a Fake ID in Pennsylvania: Charges Against College Students
People do crazy things to fit in, especially in college. Don’t let a simple mistake haunt you for the rest of your life, especially when it’s just starting. If you are a college student in Northeastern Pennsylvania facing charges for the possession, use, or sale of a fake ID, you need the legal counsel of Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam.
Our team represents students from across the region in their legal needs, whatever the criminal charge. Contact our firm today for a consultation.
