Fake IDs in Arizona
Especially in Arizona, where college campuses and major universities abound, fake ID cards are often in high demand, often for underage students trying to get into bars or purchase alcoholic beverages. While this may seem innocuous to some, being caught with a fake ID by law enforcement can lead to serious consequences.
Using a Fake ID for Underage Drinking
According to A.R.S. 4-241, anyone under the legal drinking age can be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor in the following situations:
- Using a fake ID to purchase or be served an alcoholic beverage.
- Using a fake ID to gain entry to a licensed establishment, such as a bar or casino.
Other Charges Regarding Fake IDs
There are other crimes associated with the use of a fake ID card that an individual can potentially be charged with, such as:
- Making, possessing, or offering a fake ID, which can be charged as forgery, per A.R.S. 13-2002, a class 4 felony.
- Giving a fake ID to law enforcement to pass as a legal ID, which can be charged as false reporting to law enforcement agencies, per A.R.S. 13-2907.01, a class 1 misdemeanor.
- Trying to use someone else’s ID as your own, which can be charged as taking the identity of another person, per A.R.S. 13-2008, a class 4 felony.
Tangential Crimes Related to Fake ID Activity
As fake IDs are typically used for nefarious activities, anyone caught with one can still be charged for their additional crimes. Most often, this has to do with underage drinking, such as:
- General underage drinking, a class 1 misdemeanor.
- Underage possession of alcohol, a class 1 misdemeanor.
- Underage DUI, a class 1 misdemeanor.
Penalties
Anyone charged with a class 1 misdemeanor can face up to six months of incarceration.
A first-time offender of a class 4 felony can be incarcerated for up to 3.75 years.
RIDEOUT LAW GROUP
With offices in Lake Havasu City and Scottsdale, our firm serves the entire state of Arizona, with a particular focus on criminal defense, family law, and juvenile cases.
Our goal is for the best outcome for your criminal case, which can include:
- charges that are reduced or dropped.
- top experts reviewing your case.
- aggressive negotiations with the prosecution for plea bargains.
- fines or probation in lieu of jail time.
At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys are able to expertly examine the evidence in your case to provide a strong strategy for argument that leads to an outcome that is most favorable to you. We have experience in all types of criminal cases for both adults and juveniles, with positive outcomes both in plea negotiations as well as jury trial settings.
Call us today for a free consultation at 480-584-3328.