Many underage individuals carry a fake ID for many reasons, but there is a great risk of doing so.
In Travis County and throughout Texas, it is not uncommon for individuals under the age of 21 to carry a fake ID. There are many different ways a person can be charged with using a fake ID, but they all come with serious penalties. Below, our Travis County criminal defense lawyer outlines what these are.
Possessing a Fake Driver’s License
Under the Texas Transportation Code, fake driver’s licenses are illegal in a number of ways. These include allowing someone else to use your license, possessing more than one license, or providing false information when applying for a driver’s license. It is also illegal to knowingly possess or display a driver’s license that is false or has been modified. Violating this law is a Class A misdemeanor and carries penalties of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Misrepresentation of Age
Under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, minors can be charged if they falsely state that they are 21 years old or older or if they present any documentation stating that they are at least 21 years old to someone serving or selling alcoholic beverages. For example, if someone told a doorman at a club that they were 21 years old, they may be charged with an offense. This is the most common offense involving fake IDs in Texas. This offense is a Class C misdemeanor with a penalty of a $500 fine.
Possessing a False ID Certificate
The Texas Transportation Code also makes it illegal to possess a false ID certificate if the person intends to show that they are 21 years or older. The only exception to this is if “Not a Government Document” is printed clearly on the certificate, in solid red capital letters on both sides diagonally. This is also a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine.
Tampering with Government Documents
Under the Texas Penal Code, it is illegal to tamper with or alter government documents. This includes:
- Knowingly making a false entry, or false modification, of a government document
- Making, presenting, or using any document or record knowing that it is false and with the intent of using it as a valid government document
- Intentionally concealing, destroying, removing, or otherwise impairing the validity of a government document
- Possessing, selling, or offering to sell a government record knowing it will be used illegally
- Making, presenting, or using a government record knowing it is false
- Selling, possessing, or offering to sell a government document knowing it was obtained illegally
The above offenses are punishable by two to ten years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.
Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Travis County Can Help with Your Charges
If you are charged with any of the above offenses, our Travis County criminal defense lawyers can help. At Granger and Mueller, PC, our experienced attorneys know the defense strategies available in these cases and will use them effectively so you have the best chance of beating or reducing your charges. Call us now at (512) 474-9999 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.