The drinking age in Florida – and around the country – has been the subject of much debate since it was changed from 18 to 21. Consider that you can serve your country at the age of 18, drive, purchase tobacco, and vote, but you don’t have the decision-making capability to consume alcohol. This lack of rationality is one of the reasons so many college students obtain fake IDs in the first place. Many students attending major Central Florida schools like UCF, USF, Rollins College, Seminole State, and Valencia are under 21. They are exposed to alcohol in many aspects of college life. While there are some outliers, many of these students can make sound decisions when it comes to consumption. Yet, getting caught with a fake ID has severe and lasting consequences. This is where The Umansky Law Firm may be able to help.
In most instances, a person in a position of authority on campus will confiscate a fake ID. Other times, law enforcement may get involved, leading to a more significant issue. In Florida, possession of a fake ID is a misdemeanor offense that may result in fines and other penalties.
It might seem like having a fake ID is just a typical part of college life, especially since so many students have them. However, even outside of the legal consequences of this action, there may be negative school-related consequences with which to contend as well. Possible penalties might include:
Being caught with a fake ID may even result in disciplinary hearings, even if the event in question happened off-campus.
Florida Statute § 322.212 deems it unlawful to “knowingly have… or display any blank, forged, stolen, fictitious, counterfeit, or unlawfully issued driver license or identification card.” You can be charged with a crime even if you are found in possession of a fake ID, but never attempted to use it to engage in unlawful activity. This is how stringent fake ID laws can be.
If you are caught trying to use a fake ID and spend a night in jail, chances are prosecutors are going to file charges against you. These charges, if you don’t have a professional to defend you, often include a rather hefty fine, community service, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. Florida law penalizes getting caught with a fake ID as follows:
To avoid this at all costs, it is a good idea to seek out the help of a seasoned lawyer. There is always a chance a fake ID defense attorney isn’t going to get you entirely off the hook, but your lawyer may be able to get the fine and other punishments significantly reduced. If your case is not dismissed entirely, we can look at pre-trial diversion programs that will ultimately provide a much better resolution than an outright conviction. Upon completion of such a program, we may even be able to get your record expunged, so that one youthful mistake does not negatively impact your entire life.
False identification charges may have a severe impact on your life in many ways. For instance, you might have to deal with both the legal implications of the crime and consequences at home. Your family may end up significantly inconvenienced, especially if they have to help you find and pay for legal representation to address the issue.
Being charged with possession of a fake ID probably won’t stop you from obtaining a job, unless this isn’t your first arrest. However, this depends on any ethics clauses included in your workplace policies. If it is found that you have a previous record, even though an Orlando lawyer can reduce the charges, the string of incidents may hamper your ability to find work in the future.
Have you or a loved one been arrested for possessing or using a fake ID in Florida? We may be able to assist with the defense of this charge, especially if you feel you have been wrongfully accused. The attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm have tried hundreds of cases in Florida courtrooms with more than 100 years of experience collectively. Call us today for a free case evaluation from an experienced Orlando criminal defense attorney
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