A vacation hotspot, Destin is known for targeting underaged drinkers. One of the most common charges associated with underaged drinking is the possession of a “fake I.D.” Depending on the type of identification used, the charges can vary.
In accordance to FL statute 322.212 it is unlawful for a person to knowingly:
A. Have in his or her possession any blank, forged, stolen, fictitious, counterfeit, or unlawfully issued driver’s license or identification card
B. Sell, manufacture, or deliver a blank, forged, stolen, fictitious, counterfeit, or unlawfully issued driver’s license or identification card
C. Offer to sell, manufacture, or deliver a blank, forged, stolen, fictitious, counterfeit, or unlawfully issued driver’s license or identification card
On the Emerald Coast, this is a relatively common offense, especially during spring break. With that being said, it is important to understand the various penalties that accompany a fake I.D. charge. Most popularly used to illegally obtain alcohol, fake identification charges also entail using another person’s identification to illegally operate a vehicle, illegally obtain prescriptions, or using any other person’s identification for any other purposes besides the ones previously mentioned.
It is important to note that one can be charged with the possession of false identification, even if one is not actually using the illegal identification card. For instance, it is not uncommon for a driver to be pulled over for a traffic offense, and accidentally hand an officer and identification card that is not their valid drivers license. Even though this would not be a scenario in which the identification was being used, the possession of the I.D. alone is enough for an arrest.
Not only does FL statute 322.212 cover the use of identification cards such as drivers licenses, it also covers the use of any other form of identification including insurance cards, or any other state issued identification card.
In some instances (A), a fake ID charge is considered a third degree felony, which means up to 5 years of jail time and a $5,000 fine. In other instances, a fake ID charge (B and C) is considered a misdemeanor in the second degree which carries up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail. Fake ID charges are taken more seriously in Florida than in other states, making the hiring of an attorney all the more important.
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