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.
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.
Related Posts:
Important Laws That Pertain to Parents of Teenagers
Will I Go to Jail for Underage Drinking?
A Fake ID Charge is More Serious Than You Think