What Is a Fake ID in Georgia?
Fake identification cards are commonly used by minors and college students to access bars and purchase alcohol. However, most may not know that having or showing a false, fraudulent, or altered government identification document is an offense under Georgia law.
This means you may face criminal charges if you:
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Use another person’s real identification
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Present a false or altered ID that misrepresents your identity
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Create or sell Georgia state IDs, driver’s licenses, or other identification documents.
Offenses involving false identification cards may lead to a felony or misdemeanor charge, depending on the specifics of the case. It’s important to contact an attorney if you are arrested for using a fake ID.
Georgia Fake ID Penalties
A fake ID charge can lead to serious penalties. In most cases, fake ID offenses are prosecuted as misdemeanors, but serious offenses can lead to felony convictions with lengthy prison time and large fines.
According to O.C.G.A. §16-9-4, the penalties for fake ID offenses are as follows:
Misdemeanor Fake ID in Georgia
If you commit any of the following fake ID offenses, you may be convicted of a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $1,000:
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Knowingly possessing, displaying, or using false, altered, fraudulent, or fictitious ID
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Manufacturing, selling, possessing with intent to sell, and distributing IDs with trademarks or trade names without the consent of the trademark owner
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Possessing, displaying, or using another person’s real ID without their consent
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Possessing, manufacturing, and displaying a fake ID as a minor under 21 to gain access to age-restricted places or consumables. A second or subsequent offense is an aggravated misdemeanor.
Felony Fake ID in Georgia
A second or subsequent violation of any crime discussed above is a felony punishable by a maximum jail term of three years, a fine of up to $25,000, or both.
Moreover, manufacturing, delivering, or possessing three or more fake IDs is also a felony. Upon conviction, you could serve between three and ten years imprisonment or pay a fine of up to $100,000. You may also receive both penalties.
The following fake ID offenses can lead to a felony charge punishable by one to five years in prison, a fine of $100,000, or both:
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Knowingly manufacture, sell, distribute, or deliver or possess with intent to sell a fake ID or an ID with fake information
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Knowingly possessing, displaying, or using a fake ID with a government agency logo, official seal, or colorful imitation thereof with the intention to commit a state or federal felony
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Knowingly manufacturing, selling, distributing, or possessing with the intent to sell a fake ID with a government agency logo, official seal, or colorful imitation thereof
Working with a fraud lawyer can increase your chances of getting these charges reduced or dropped.
Other Consequences of Having a Fake ID in Georgia
If you are charged with a first misdemeanor fake ID offense, your attorney may be able to convince the prosecution or judge to reduce your penalties to probation and fines instead of jail time. However, the consequences of a fake ID conviction in Georgia can extend beyond that.
Other consequences for a fake ID criminal conviction include:
Driver’s License Revocation
A fake ID conviction can lead to suspending or revoking your driver’s license on top of any criminal penalties imposed by the court.
Permanent Criminal Record
A misdemeanor or felony conviction goes on your record permanently. During background checks, employers, schools, and banks can access your record and use the information they obtain to either deny or accept your application.
Caught With a Fake ID in Georgia? Here’s What to Do
If an authorized person such as a bartender or bouncer confronts you about the false ID in your possession, give it up and don’t get yourself in more trouble by resisting. Retaliating will also complicate the situation.
However, if you are arrested by a police officer, remain calm and cordial, but don’t answer any questions about the incident. You have the right to remain silent and request an attorney, and it’s in your best interest to use it. You may incriminate yourself further if you lie or share details about the fake ID.
Your lawyer may be able to use the following arguments to defend you against fake ID charges:
- You didn’t know that the ID in your possession was fake.
- You had no intention of committing an unlawful act with the fake ID.
- Illegal search and seizure
Contact your criminal attorney in Athens, GA, to get the help you need to fight the charges.
How Can an Attorney Help if You Are Facing Fake ID Charges?
A conviction for fake ID in Georgia carries serious consequences, including a permanent record. Besides fines and jail terms, your criminal record can affect your life and career. It’s crucial to seek the help of a criminal defense attorney to fight your charges. Even if you were caught with a fake ID, an experienced lawyer may be able to find possible loopholes or violations that can get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Adam Levin Law, LLC, Can Help You
You can count on Adam Levine Law, LLC, for an aggressive representation to fight the most complex charges. We understand the consequences you may face for a fake identification conviction, and our goal is to get you the most favorable outcome.
You are innocent until proven guilty, and we are ready to fight for you. Contact our law firm today and schedule a free consultation.
FAQs
Can a Licensee Confiscate a Fake Georgia ID?
Yes, licensees such as bar tenders may confiscate your fake ID and are required to alert law enforcement agencies or file a police report.
