Not only does college help prepare young adults for their careers, but it also gives students an opportunity to have fun since they’re away from home. Many students who are not 21 years old yet obtain fake IDs to purchase alcohol and enter bars and clubs, rather than waiting until they are of legal age.

A fake ID is defined as a form of identification (driver’s license or passport) that has been forged, altered, or used by someone other than the individual named on the ID. Possession of a fake ID can result in serious criminal charges and penalties.

The following are the most common crimes associated with having a fake ID in Arizona:

  • Purchasing alcohol using a fake ID – It is against the law for a person under 21 years of age to purchase, consume, or otherwise possess alcohol. Purchasing alcohol using a false identification is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum six-month jail sentence and a fine no more than $2,500. Also, if a person under 21 consumes or possesses alcohol, it is a Class 3 misdemeanor, which carries a maximum 30-day jail sentence and a fine of up to $500.
  • Entering a place licensed to sell alcohol using a fake ID – Those who are not of legal drinking age are not allowed to enter bars, clubs, and other establishments where the primary use is the sale and consumption of alcohol. Entering a place licensed to sell alcohol using a fake ID is also a Class 1 misdemeanor.
  • Identity theft – In more serious cases, especially if they involve expensive purchases opening credit accounts, having a fake ID can lead to an identity theft charge. A first offense is a Class 4 felony, which results in a prison sentence of up to two and a half years.
  • Criminal impersonation – Using a fake or stolen ID or social security number can lead to criminal impersonation charges. This type of crime is either a Class 6 felony or a Class 1 misdemeanor. A Class 6 felony is punishable by a maximum one-year prison term.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense involving a fake ID in Phoenix, contact Maria Jones Law Firm today at (602) 603-4032 and schedule a free consultation.