Bridgewater NJ Fake ID Lawyer
Contrary to what most people believe, possession of a fake ID is a serious criminal charge in New Jersey. In fact, depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense, an individual could be facing either a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor) or an indictable offense (felony). Regardless, both degrees could subject an individual to high fines, a permanent criminal record as well as a lengthy jail sentence. So whether it is alleged that someone presented a fake id to gain access into a bar or to created an ID with the intent to verify someone’s identity, we strongly recommend that you speak to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
The vast majority of individuals charged with possessing a fake ID in New Jersey will be under the age of twenty-one. A criminal conviction, let alone a jail sentence, anyone who is just about to start their adult life, can be crippling to their future. The criminal defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law are dedicated to aggressively defending the rights of clients in order to assure that a simple misunderstanding or a mistake does not jeopardize their future. Our office serves all of Somerset and Hunterdon County, including towns like Bridgewater, Clinton, Bound Brook, Plainfield, Raritan, Readington, Watchung, Manville, Franklin, Hillsborough and Somerville. If you or loved one has been charged with possessing a fake ID or any other fraud offense for that matter, and you would like to speak to one of our criminal defense lawyers about your options then please contact our Bridgewater office at 908.533.1064.One of our attorneys would be glad to discuss your options and formulate a plan that works best to suit your needs.
Charged with Possessing a Fake ID in New Jersey?
Possessing a Fake ID to Gain Access into Bar: NJSA 2C:28-7
The most common fact scenario that we see surrounding Fake Id charges in Somerset and Hunterdon County is when someone under the age of twenty-one is attempting to gain entry into a bar or to purchase alcohol from a liquor store. Under this scenario, the individual will be charged with a violation of NJSA 2C:28-7: Tampering with Public Records or Information. This statute in essence makes it unlawful for anyone under the age of twenty-one to misrepresent or misstate their age with intent to induce someone to to sell or serve alcoholic to someone under twenty-one.
This crime is considered a disorderly persons offense, which is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor. Anyone charged with this offense will be facing up to six months in the county jail, a $1,000 fine, a six month loss of driving privileges as well as up to six months of alcohol treatment.
Possessing a Fake ID to Otherwise Assume Identity of Another: NJSA 2C:21-2.1
If it is alleged that the individual presented or possessed the fake ID “as a means of verifying a person’s identity or age or any other personal identifying information” other than that of trying to purchase alcohol or tobacco or gain entry into a bar, will be charged with a violation of NJSA 2C:21-2.1. This is a third degree indictable (felony) offense, which would subject an individual to up to five years in prison and a fine up to $15,000 if convicted.
Fake ID Defense Attorney in New Jersey
As you can see, a possession of a Fake ID charge is not something to take lightly. If you have been accused of possessing a fake ID, underage drinking, credit card fraud, theft by deception, receiving stolen property or passing a bad check in Somerset or Hunterdon County, our office can help. Keith Oliver Criminal Law is dedicated to making sure a lapse in judgement does not affect someone’s future. If you would like to speak to one of our lawyers today, then please contact our office at 908-533-1064. We appear in courts throughout New Jersey, including throughout Somerset and Hunterdon County on a regular basis. That includes Bernards, Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, North Plainfield, Union, Flemington, Lambertville, Green Brook and South Bound Brook.