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Can I Go to Jail for Using a Fake ID in Massachusetts?
Using a fake ID is almost a rite of passage in some places. Many people have stories of obtaining and using their first counterfeit IDs to get access to alcohol, clubs, or other age-restricted experiences. One study found that nearly 40% of college students had used fake IDs. This is especially true in Massachusetts. New England is the phony ID capital of the United States.
There were few to no consequences for many people telling fake ID stories. This is why some individuals can look back at it as a harmless indiscretion. While using a fake driver’s license consequence-free may seem like a fun story to tell years later, the immediate legal consequences of being caught with one are more sobering. Using a fake ID in Massachusetts can result in a license suspension. If you or someone you love has been arrested for using a fake driver’s license in Massachusetts, you must contact an experienced driver’s license suspension attorney.
What are the Charges for Using a Fake ID in Massachusetts?
The specific charges and potential consequences will change according to the circumstances of the case. This is because any behavior related to fake driver’s licenses is considered a crime. Even being in possession of a fake driver’s license is considered a crime, even if someone doesn’t use the license.
In Massachusetts, crimes related to fake IDs include but are not necessarily limited to:
- Possession of a Fake ID
- Sale of a Fake ID
- Transfer of a Fake ID, Even Without Material Gain
- Use of a Fake ID
- Manufacture of Fake ID
In most instances, charges related to a fake ID in Massachusetts are felonies.
In addition to criminal charges, anyone found either in possession of or using a fake ID may face a loss or suspension of their driver’s license. What happens to an individual’s driving privileges following an arrest or conviction for using a fake driver’s license will vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
What is the Punishment for Using a Fake Driver’s License in Massachusetts?
Like the charges themselves, the exact punishment for being convicted of using a fake driver’s license will vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Depending on the severity of the charges, they may be facing potential jail time, fines, and even prison. Most crimes related to fake IDs in Massachusetts have sentences of up to five years in prison.
In addition to criminal charges, anyone caught using a fake driver’s license will generally have their driving privileges suspended, even if the case does not result in a conviction. As with specific charges and sentences, the length of suspension will vary according to the circumstances of the case. An individual could lose their license for six months or a year.
In addition to actual criminal charges, there is the “collateral damage” an arrest or conviction can have. Many people arrested for fake IDs are college students. Being arrested and going to court can severely impact a person’s studies and ability to succeed academically. An arrest or conviction for a fake ID can set a college student back an entire semester or more. They may have to retake classes. In some instances, they may even need to drop out due to the expenses of their trial. There are also the long-term consequences of a potential conviction. Criminal convictions stay on the records of individuals over the age of eighteen. This means a person could graduate from college and attempt to enter the workforce with a criminal record. This could damage someone’s ability to find a job. This is why if you have been accused of using a fake ID, you should immediately contact an experienced driver’s license defense attorney.
Can I Still Drive If I’ve Been Arrested for Using a Fake ID in Massachusetts?
The State of Massachusetts realizes not everyone whose license is suspended is a danger to society. The State also wishes to allow individuals with suspended licenses to earn back their driving privileges. This is why, depending on the case circumstances, an individual may be able to obtain limited driving privileges if their license has been suspended due to using a fake ID.
If someone’s license has been suspended due to using a fake ID, they can continue driving on a limited basis if they receive a hardship license. A hardship license is also sometimes called a Cinderella License. This is because it is generally only valid during a 12 hour period.
To obtain a hardship license, the applicant must meet specific criteria. This may include enrolling in and attending court-mandated programs. An experienced driver’s license suspension attorney can help determine if an individual meets the requirements for a hardship license. The attorney can also help file the appropriate paperwork and guide an individual through the process, including a hearing at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
What Should I Do if I’m Arrested for Using a Fake Driver’s License in Massachusetts?
Movies and television shows have convinced many people that using a fake ID is a consequence-free right of passage. Some individuals may even have been given this impression by older people who used counterfeit IDs in their youth and got away with it. Even being arrested for using a fake ID can seriously impact someone’s life. A conviction for using a fake ID can result in a suspended license, fines, and even serious prison time. No one wants to go to jail for two years. Young people are just beginning their lives, and they especially do not want to enter adulthood behind bars. If you or a loved one have been arrested for using a fake ID, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact the Law Office of Brian Simoneau at 508-665-2995.
Brian Simoneau knows driver’s license reinstatement. In fact, he helped write the book on it. With over two decades of courtroom experience, Brian Simoneau is the attorney to trust with all your driver’s license-related needs. He understands that sometimes people make mistakes. He knows this is especially true of young people just entering adulthood. With Brian Simoneau in the driver’s seat, his clients can sit back and rest assured he’s got them on the road to freedom.
Everyone makes mistakes when they’re young. Brian Simoneau also doesn’t believe people should have to pay the rest of their lives for those mistakes. If you or a loved one have been arrested for using a fake ID in Massachusetts, call The Law Office of Brian Simoneau today at 508-665-2995 to ask about a free consultation.
