Getting charged with having a fake ID in the state of Missouri is a serious crime. Missouri laws state that possessing false identification—whether it’s someone else’s ID card or any type of forged document that states you are someone else or someone imagined—is considered a class A misdemeanor. This type of misdemeanor can result in hefty fines as well as significant jailtime. The misdemeanor will also remain on your record permanently.
As you can imagine, charges of this nature can have a severe impact on your future. Having a permanent misdemeanor on your record can make it permanently difficult to find employment, receive financial assistance for college, receive government assistance, and even obtain a commercial driver’s license if you need one for work. Sometimes, the penalties that are delivered are done so unfairly. Other times, the penalties are simply too severe for the crime committed.
Most individuals who decide to use a fake ID do so when they’re underage. A fake identification card can help a youth travel, gain entry to bars, clubs, or college parties, or purchase cigarettes or alcohol before they are legally able to do so. Youths that have been convicted of possessing a fake ID will undoubtedly have the most difficult time trying to get their lives back in order and live productive, fulfilling lives.
Thomas Law Offices believes that Missouri’s false ID laws are sometimes too harsh—especially for young teenagers or adults who have such hopeful futures ahead of them. If you or someone you love has been convicted of being in possession of a falsified identification card or document and you feel the charges were too harsh or delivered unfairly, you should know that you have legal options. Contact a Columbia, MO fake ID lawyer to learn more.
The Penalties of Being in Possession of a Falsified ID
The state of Missouri looks at false identification charges more harshly than many other U.S. states. Most consequences in our state are similar to the penalties delivered to a minor who is caught in possession of drugs or alcohol (MIP).
Being convicted of having a fake ID in Missouri is a criminal charge and can result in the following penalties and consequences:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jailtime of up to 1 year
- Possible driver’s license suspension (especially if you have a commercial license)
- Potential probation
- A permanent misdemeanor on your criminal record
- Difficulty in obtaining financial aid, scholarships, certain types of government assistance, employment, and more
As mentioned above, fake ID charges aren’t always delivered in a fair manner. The penalties are sometimes more severe than they should be. It can be incredibly difficult to fight a fake ID misdemeanor as well as the above penalties without the help of a criminal defense attorney who is familiar with Missouri laws. With a skilled and experienced lawyer, you can potentially revert or even expunge the unfair penalties and/or charges.
Get the Help of an Experienced Missouri Fake ID Lawyer Today
Being in possession of a fake ID is a serious crime that should have penalties, but those penalties shouldn’t come at the expense of a teenager or young adult’s entire future. Mistakes should have consequences, but some mistakes are more devastating than others. A minor who is caught using a falsified ID to buy a single pack of cigarettes shouldn’t be convicted on the same level as a minor who’s caught driving while drunk. One crime places others at risk while the other does not.
If you believe you or a loved one was wrongfully convicted of false identification charges or believe the penalties you were charged with were too severe, you have a limited window to take legal action. Contact Thomas Law Offices to get in touch with a Columbia, MO fake ID lawyer, to learn your options and find out if record expungement is a possibility for your case. Our legal practice may also be able to fight on your behalf to grant you a less severe sentencing, thereby allowing you to return to your life as soon as possible.
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