What You Can Expect From a False ID Charge in Hamilton County

False ID charges in Hamilton County, Indiana, whether you were arrested in Noblesville, Fishers, or Carmel, are serious criminal matters that require the astute knowledge and experience of a criminal defense lawyer. Continue below to learn what you can expect from a false identification criminal charge in Hamilton County, plus how to build a strong and impactful case against your charges in order to obtain the best possible outcome in court.

Fake ID Criminal Charge Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Fake ID Criminal Charge Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Fake ID Charges in Hamilton County Indiana

Many people think of fake IDs as a laughable, excusable, and minor infraction, partly due to their prevalence among adolescents and minors under the age of twenty-one years old. Many people have had experience with a false identification or drivers’ license at one point in their life, especially in college. However, the truth surrounding fake IDs is bleaker than most imagine. False ID charges, particularly in Hamilton County, are very serious. They can lead to some long-lasting consequences that affect a person’s overall quality of life. Such consequences can even carry on into adulthood for those charged with or convicted of possessing or using a false ID as a juvenile.

A False ID is a Misdemeanor Offense in Indiana

The consequences for being charged and convicted of having a fake ID is dependent on whether that identification was used to buy and consume alcohol or not. For anyone who uses a fake ID to buy and/or consume alcohol, they will face more serious consequences if caught. This offense would be charged as a Class C Misdemeanor in Indiana. If convicted, the individual would face several penalties, including 60 days in jail, one year driver’s license suspension, a $500 fine, and permanent marks on their driving record.

Fair warning, a person does not have to possess and use an actual fake identification card, such as a state ID or driver’s license, in order to be charged with a fake ID offense. For instance, if someone under the age of twenty-one years old enters a bar and orders a drink claiming to be of age, they can be arrested on false ID charge for unlawfully misrepresenting their age.

How to Fight a Fake ID Charge in Hamilton County

The best weapon against a fake ID charge in Hamilton County, Indiana, is a private criminal defense attorney who specializes in fraud and forgery charges. Attorney David E. Lewis can get you the best possible outcome in court after being charged with a false ID crime in Indiana. He also specializes in underage offenses and juvenile defense.

Are you or your minor child facing criminal charges for having or using a fake ID in Hamilton County? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a skilled criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

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What are the Penalties for Having a Fake ID in Indiana?

What are the Penalties for Having a Fake ID in Indiana?

Whether you are a parent of a student who was just picked up for using a fake ID, or someone under the legal drinking age entertaining the idea of obtaining one to get into local bars and make alcohol purchases, it is important for you to understand the possible penalties for being caught with a fake ID in Indiana.

Continue reading to learn what to expect after being arrested on a fake ID charge, plus what you can do to best protect your rights and your future freedoms.

Criminal Lawyer for False ID Charges Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Criminal Lawyer for False ID Charges Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Expected Fake ID Penalties in Indiana

False identification can come in the form of a card, like a driver’s license or state ID, as well as a federal form of identification, like a passport or passport card. Even claiming to be eighteen or twenty-one years old to a shopkeeper or bartender can result in a false identification charge in Indiana. If arrested for being in possession of or attempting to use false identification in Indiana, the expected criminal charge will be a Class C misdemeanor, which comes with a long list of possible and serious consequences.

Although the penalties for a Class C misdemeanor conviction on a fake ID charge are wide-ranging and will vary from case to case depending on the unique circumstances and criminal history of a defendant, all convicted individuals face up to 60 days in jail, plus can expect to have their driver’s license suspended for one year and be fined up to $500. It is also possible for them to be court ordered to serve community service, usually around 40 to 80 hours.

Fake ID Charges and Penalties:

Class C Misdemeanor

▸ $500 Fine
▸ Up to 60 Days in Jail
▸ 1 Year Suspended Licensed
▸ Marks on Driving Record

Why Indiana Criminal Defense is Vital After a False ID Arrest

As you can see from the penalties listed above, being convicted of a class C misdemeanor for a fake ID charge can come with some serious and lasting consequences. That is because it is considered an alcohol-related offense. In the case that you are sentenced to 60 days in jail, you face the risk of missing work pay, being terminated from your job, missing school, losing time spent with family, and all sorts of other life responsibilities and pleasures.

To avoid the maximum penalties for your criminal charges, it is critical to retain aggressive and skilled Indiana criminal defense. They can build you a strong case against your charges and reduce the severity of your penalties.

Looking for a criminal defense lawyer to fight your false ID charges in Indiana right now? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for fast and experienced criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent both adolescents and adults, and can hold meetings over the phone, via video conferencing, or in person at our office.

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A Fake ID Charge is More Serious Than You Think

A Fake ID Charge is More Serious Than You Think

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

It is that time of year when students bring their summer vacation to a close, and return to campus for another semester of school. One of the most common criminal charges that college students are arrested for, especially during back-to-school time, is using false identification to purchase alcohol or gain access into bars and night clubs. Although this is such a common offense among young adults under the legal drinking age, it is no less serious. In fact, the consequences of using a fake I.D. can be life-long, and affect a student’s reputation far after they graduate college.

The damaging effects of a fake I.D. charge on a person’s criminal record are reality, which is why it is critical to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney if you or someone you love is facing false identification charges. Continue reading to learn about the potential effects these kinds of charges can have on your life, and
what to expect when faced with them.

What to Expect From False ID Charges

You may wonder who would really care about a fake ID charge on your criminal record. After all, it seems like such a forgivable offense, right? Unfortunately, this notion is far from right. There are people and organizations that WILL care about a false identification charge on your criminal record. These mostly include the government and potential employers. Being arrested with, or for using, a fake ID makes a person look dishonest and untrustworthy to future employers and government organizations.

For instance, if you wanted to pursue a career in finance or other high-security field (engineering, intelligence, technology, etc.), this type of criminal charge could put you out of the running when up against other potential candidates for the job you want. At the same time, the government would view this criminal charge as a breach of trust, which can make it more difficult to get security clearances or obtain licenses. It can also impact an international student’s F1 Visa.

Actual Charges

When a person is arrested for using or having possession of a false ID, they will be charged with a misdemeanor depending on the state they committed the crime in. Some states charge it as an infraction, while others will charge it as a misdemeanor. In almost all cases, the charges will result in court fees, fines, and other penalties, such as probation, community service, and more. On the other hand, prosecutors have the jurisdiction to charge offenders with more serious offenses in the case of a fake ID arrest, including misdemeanor deception or felony forgery.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 if you or a loved one was arrested for using a fake ID in Indiana. He will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. Our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the options for your case. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment with Indianapolis defense lawyer, David E. Lewis, today.