As you start your college experience, factors like the way the media portrays college and the social culture on campus may make you feel as though having a fake ID is not a big deal. You may think, because many people you know have a fake ID, that you need a fake ID to be a part of the social life on your campus. You don’t need a fake ID, but if you make the decision to get one, here is what you need to know.
Penalties
Under Florida Statute § 322.212, possession of a fake ID is a third-degree felony. Under Section 322.212, a fake ID is a blank, forged, stolen, fictitious, counterfeit, or unlawfully issued ID. This definition includes fake IDs which are ordered online. If you are caught in Florida with a fake ID that meets this description, you may be sentenced to up to five years in prison or be faced with a criminal penalty of up to $5,000.
What if your ID is not fake, it just is not your ID?
Florida Statute § 322.212 includes fake IDs that were stolen. Meaning, if you use someone else’s ID without their permission, you are still on the hook for a third-degree felony and all the penalties that go along with it. However, if you use someone else’s ID with that person’s permission, you and that person may still be facing criminal penalties.
Under Florida Statute § 322.32, it is a second-degree misdemeanor to display any ID which was not issued to you. Additionally, it is also a second-degree misdemeanor to lend someone else your ID. What does this mean? It means you and the person who allowed you to use their ID could be on the hook for up to 60 days in jail or a criminal penalty of up to $500.
How can this affect your life?
Criminal charges and convictions can stay with you for the rest of your life. This may affect your standing with your university, future academic endeavors, or even your job prospects. As a result, if you are charged with possession of a fake ID, it is very important that you protect your future by obtaining the best possible legal counsel.
Tags: Florida State University, FSU, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, FAMU, Tallahassee Community College, TCC, Fake ID, Criminal Defense, Tallahassee
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