Fake Id Defense Lawyers in Hudson County NJ
In Hudson County, New Jersey, it is illegal to exhibit, sell, possess or create false identification documentation. More often than not, this occurs when individuals use a “Fake I.D.” to buy alcohol when they are not legally permitted to consume or possess alcohol. This may also occur when individuals attempt to enter bars or other drinking establishments for a similar alcohol consumption purpose. With an undergraduate population stemming from Stevens Institute of Technology and St. Peters University, these types of charges occur often. Moreover, Hoboken and Jersey City have grown in popularity for nightlife in recent years. This creates a booming environment for law enforcement officers to bring up individuals on charges for possessing or exhibiting a false identification. Therefore, if you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with possession of a fake id, it is imperative that you speak to an experienced Hudson County, NJ fake id defense attorney immediately about your options. A criminal conviction at such a young age could have severe consequences on your life. If you have been charged with possession of a fake id in towns like Bayonne, Weehawken, Jersey City, Hoboken and West New York, the Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall. Our office has eight criminal defense lawyers on staff, making our office one of the largest criminal defense firms in the State let alone Hudson County. As you will see below, depending on the circumstances, a conviction under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-2.1 could result in a crime of the second degree, which carries up to ten (10) years in a New Jersey State Penitentiary. If you would like a free initial consultation with any one of our eight Hudson County, NJ fake id lawyers, please contact our Jersey City office directly at (201) 309-1800. Now here is some key information on the offense of possessing a fake id in New Jersey.
Hoboken NJ Fake Id Attorneys
The following are the three examples of false identification charges:
- Exhibit False Identification or Age Verification Documents
It is a crime of the third degree for a person to knowingly use or display a false identification document. The State is required to prove that the document being displayed appeared to be a driver’s license or other document issued by a government agency. The State must also show that the document was not, in fact, issued by the government, and that it was the type of document that could be used to verify personal identifying information. Finally, it must be proven that the defendant knowingly exhibited the document. - Sale of False Identification or Age Verification Documents
A person is guilty of a crime of the second degree if they sell, offer, transfer, or possess with intent to sell a document or other writing which falsely appears to be a driver’s license, birth certificate or other document issued by a governmental agency for identification purposes. This includes badges and other symbols of identification. The State is required to prove that the defendant acted knowingly, meaning that he or she was aware that they were selling a non-governmental document that could be used for verifying a person’s identity or age. The State is also allowed to attain a conviction under this statute by proving that the defendant possessed said document with the intent to transfer or sell it. - Make or Possess False Identification Documents
It is also a crime of the second degree to knowingly make or possess a device or materials used to make a document that falsely purports to be a driver’s license, birth certificate, or other governmental document used for age or identity verification. - Possess False Identification or Age Verification Documents
If the person knowingly possesses but does not exhibit or display the document or writing, it is a fourth degree crime.
What are the Penalties for a Fake ID in New Jersey?
A crime of the second degree is punishable by a fine of up to $150,000 and a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years. If convicted of a crime of the third degree, you will face a term of imprisonment of up to 5 years, and a fine of up to $15,000. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to eighteen (18) months in prison and a $10,000 fine. These are all considered indictable (felony) offenses in New Jersey. In addition to any other disposition for a violation of these four offenses, the court must order the suspension of driving privilege in New Jersey for a period of between six months and two years.
Hoboken NJ Fake Id Defense Attorneys
For a free initial consultation and information on whether you are eligible for a Pretrial intervention program, please contact our Jersey City office and speak with one of our attorneys today. Our office has been defending individual’s charged with possessing a fake id in towns like Bayonne, Secaucus, West New York and Hoboken for over a decade. Our team of Hudson County fake id defense lawyers have the skill set and knowledge to successfully protect your interests.
