Exploring Charges and Penalties For Crimes Involving Fake IDs in Illinois

For as long as government-issued identification cards have been around, fake IDs are sure to have also existed. Added security measures and other changes are constantly being made to ID cards in an effort to combat fraudulent or fake IDs, but that still does not stop some people from attempting to make them. Many times, crimes involving fake IDs are perpetrated by juveniles who are using the card for things such as purchasing alcohol. Some fake ID cards are nearly undetectable, but using one and getting caught can mean you will face quite a bit of trouble with the law.

Illinois has strict laws and rather serious consequences when it comes to crimes involving fake IDs. Not only can you face criminal charges and penalties for the use, possession, manufacture and/or distribution of fake IDs, but you can also risk having your driving privileges taken away. The Secretary of State has the authority to suspend your driving privileges for up to one year or revoke your driving privileges for at least a year if you are caught violating laws concerning fake IDs.

You can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor if you are caught doing the following:

• Lending your driver’s license or state ID to someone;
• Displaying a license as if it was your own when it was issued to another person;
• Possessing a driver’s license or ID card that contains false information that was provided to a government office;
• Possessing or providing any type of identification document in order to obtain a fake ID; or
• Altering or attempting to alter a state ID or driver’s license.

In Illinois, Class A misdemeanors can result in up to one year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. Any subsequent offense is classified as a Class 4 felony.

You can be charged with a Class 4 felony if you do the following:

• Possess a fraudulent ID or driver’s license, with fraudulent meaning the ID was produced by someone other than the government;
• Possess the equipment used to reproduce a government-issued ID or driver’s license; or
• Manufacture, distribute or sell a fraudulent license or ID.

Class 4 felony convictions carry a sentence of one to three years in prison and as much as $25,000 in fines. A subsequent conviction would result in a Class 3 felony.

Most often, crimes involving the use or possession of a fake ID are perpetrated by juveniles who are trying to appear older than they actually are. If your child has gotten into trouble because of a fake ID, you need help from a Cook County juvenile crimes defense attorney. At the Law Office of John S. Fotopoulos, P.C., we understand how difficult it can be to hear that your child has gotten into trouble with the law. Contact our team today by calling 708-942-8400 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

Laws and Penalties for Underage Drinking