What Do Police Do With Fake IDs? Get Facts Here!

Written by

John Cotton

FACT-CHECKED BY

Logan Miller

what do police do with fake ids

One of the most common issues police encounter with teens and young adults is fake IDs. Underage kids used it to enter clubs, buy alcoholic drinks, and other age-restricted activities and goods.

So, what do police do with fake IDs? They end up with the police who will confiscate it, carefully check your ID, investigate where and how the ID is made, and then destroy it afterward.

These confiscated fake IDs can also be used against you if you are charged, may face court hearings, pay large amounts of fines, and even jail time.

To understand further what authorities do with confiscated fake IDs, and the possible penalties you can face having it– keep on reading.

What Happens if You Get Caught With a Fake ID?

What-Happens-if-You-Get-Caught-With-a-Fake-ID

In today’s digital age and generation, it is easier to create fake IDs like driver’s licenses and passports. There are tons of photo editing apps and powerful printers that can create IDs in an instant.

Since this issue is prevalent, different states have already made sure to make their own fake ID investigation and laws to punish those who are caught. In fact, some states charge people who are caught using fake IDs with a felony.

Each state’s fake ID laws apply not just to persons who are found using fake IDs, but also when they are;

  • Selling
  • Altering
  • Forging
  • Buying

If you are caught:

  • Exercise your Miranda right and keep quiet.
  • Give up your fake ID card.
  • You should leave where you tried to buy something inappropriate for your age or entered a place unlawfully.
  • You are at risk of being charged with double offenses because possessing and using a fake ID is illegal.

Or even worse, you may face:

  • Additional Charges: You risk being charged with juvenile possession of such items as cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs if you purchase them using a fake ID.
  • Jail Time: You might serve time in jail if you are found guilty of using a fake ID. Although state laws may provide a prison term, they aren’t typically used as punishment for false ID offenses, especially for minor and first-time offenders.
  • Fines: You may be paying small fines or huge amounts of fines.
  • Probation: You would have to go through the necessary probation. Once sentenced to probation, the court expects you to adhere to many rules. If you don’t follow these probation rules, the court could increase your probation or give you a jail sentence.

So, can a fake ID be traced back to you? Well, that depends on what state you reside in. While fake ID is illegal in every state, each has its laws defining it and its penalties.

Possible Consequences in Different States:

Possible-Consequences-in-Different-States

What are the possible consequences? Here are some penalties that may be imposed by various states when you are caught by the fake ID police:

State Fines for fake IDs
New York
  • Class D Felony – creating, possessing, and selling fraudulent identification warrants a maximum sentence of 7 years of jail time.
  • Class A Misdemeanor Offense – a penalty of up to $1,000, a year in jail, and a 3-year probationary period are all potential punishments for possessing fake IDs.
Colorado
  • Class 6 Felony – imposes a sentence of six months to three years in jail, penalties from $1,000 up to $100,000, and a year-long required parole.
  • Class 5 Felony – its punishment of six months to a maximum of six years of jail time, penalties as high as $100,000, and two-year parole.
  • Class 1 Misdemeanor – its punishment of jail time for six months up to 18 months and pay fines that cost around $500 to $5,000.
Illinois
  • Class A Misdemeanor (selling and making fake IDs) – pay fines amounting to $2,500 in fines and possibly a year of jail time.
  • Class 4 Felony – pay fines of $25,000 and possibly 1 to three years in jail.
New Jersey
  • A Third-Degree Crime -penalized with around $15, 000 of fine and imprisonment for five years.
Massachusetts
  • A fake driver’s license ID can be written in your criminal record and you will be fined up to$300.
Arizona
  • Class 1 Misdemeanor – the punishments are a maximum jail time of six months, a fine of $2,500, and probation.
Connecticut
  • Class C Felony – a penalty of as much as $10,000 and up to ten years in jail.
  • Class D felony – a penalty of $5,000 and five years in jail.

Conclusion

In any location we reside, it is necessary to remain truthful and follow the law. Engaging in criminal activities, such as using fake IDs, can potentially ruin your reputation and your police record.

Now that you have learned “what do police do with fake ids” and its consequences, you need to stay away from that illegal act.

If you’re aware of someone using fake IDs with impunity, consider warning them about the risks they’re taking.

Use this article to educate anyone you know about the dangers associated with owning, making, buying, and selling fake IDs.

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