Fake ID Lawyers in Ewing NJ
There is huge misconception throughout the public when it comes to fake ID charges. Everyone tends to think “what is the big deal” and “everyone does it”. Well, the Mercer County prosecutor’s have a different outlook on these types of offenses. They take these charges very seriously and will not hesitate to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. If you have been charged with possession of a fake ID in Ewing, Hamilton, Trenton, Lawrence, Hightstown, Princeton or West Windsor you will be facing severe consequences including a criminal record and even jail time. Most clients charged with possessing a fake ID also tend to be charged with underage drinking, DWI, disorderly conduct, simple assault, aggravated assault and terroristic threats charges as well. If you would like to speak to one of our Mercer County criminal defense about your options then please contact us directly at (609) 789-0779. These are very serious charges that if not handled properly could drastically affect your future. Most clients charged with possessing a fake ID in Mercer County are students at Princeton University, Rider University or the College of New Jersey. A criminal conviction for this type of offense could severely impact your ability to gain meaningful employment or could even prevent you from obtaining certain professional licenses. For more information on fake ID charges, including what the potential penalties are, please see below.
Princeton NJ Fake ID Defense Attorneys
Tampering with Public Records Charges in NJ: N.J.S.A. 2C:28-7
The governing statute in New Jersey for possession of a Fake ID is N.J.S.A. 2C:28-7. This statute does not just cover fake ID’s but covers all types of fake documents. With that being said, this statute is most commonly used to prosecute Defendants accused of possessing a fake ID. People are going to get charged with possession of a Fake ID in Mercer County, especially considering all of the colleges that are located in the heart of it. If you have been charged with possessing a fake ID the key is to make sure that you do not get convicted of it.
In order to be convicted of this offense, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the following elements:
- That the Defendant falsely made or presented a document;
- That the Defendant knew the document was fraudulent; &
- That the Defendant had the underlying purpose to pass the document as authentic.
In terms of a fake ID, the State would need to prove that the Defendant presented the ID to a bouncer, bartender, store clerk, etc. knowing that the ID was fake and that they had the underlying intent to gain entry or to be served.
As I stated earlier, this section applies to fake ID’s but it is not solely dedicated to fake ID’s. The term “document” is endless and includes but not limited to financial statements, passports, loan applications, gun permit applications etc.
What is the Sentence for Possessing a Fake ID in NJ?
Possessing a fake ID is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. A conviction subjects a Defendant to:
- Up to Six Months in the Mercer County Jail;
- Fine up to $1,000;
- Criminal Record.
How can I Avoid Being Convicted of a Fake ID Charge in NJ?
With that being said, there is a diversionary program in New Jersey that a Defendant charged with this type of offense may be able to take advantage of. That program is called the conditional dismissal program. This program, allows for certain Defendants to participate in a probationary period whereby if they complete the period without violating any of the terms, the charges will be dismissed. In addition, often times an experienced criminal defense lawyer can poke enough holes in the State’s case that the prosecutor will over a downgrade to a borough ordinance, which is not a criminal offense. For more information on this program or what exactly a borough ordinance is, please contact our office at (609) 789-0779.
Fake ID Charges in Mercer County NJ
If you have been accused of possessing a fake ID, possessing marijuana under 50 grams, DWI, DUI, stalking or aggravated assault in Mercer County, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Our attorneys can appear in courts throughout Mercer County, including courts like the Lawrence Municipal Court, the Hamilton Municipal Court, the West Windsor Municipal Court, the East Windsor Municipal Court, the Ewing Municipal Court and the Mercer County Superior Court. If you would like to speak to one of our attorneys about your options then please contact us directly at (609) 789-0779. We are ready and willing to zealously fight to protect your rights. Please do not let a simple mistake jeopardize your future. We are available 24/7 to help assist in anyway possible. As always, our initial consultations are free, so do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.