False Identification Charge In Seaside Heights NJ

Former Prosecutors & Highly Experienced Seaside Heights Fake ID Defense Attorneys

It often comes as a shock to learn just how serious a charge possession of a fake driver’s license or other form of identification (“ID”) can be in Seaside Heights New Jersey. The reason for this statement lies in the fact that, in addition to this being a criminal offense that results in a record, possessing or using a forged, counterfeit, fraudulent or other variety of “fake” identification can result in a felony. There is no room to take the situation lightly when someone under legal drinking age (i.e. 21 years old) is charged with having a fake ID in Seaside Heights. The good news is that our firm, which is the largest defense firm in the Shore Area, has an extensive track record in avoiding convictions in Seaside Heights fake ID cases. Our attorneys have been appearing in Seaside Heights for over twenty years and have also prosecuted in as many as 20 area municipalities. The lawyers at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall know their way around the Seaside Heights Municipal Court and how to achieve the very best result for a client who has been accused of possession or use of a fake ID. To speak to an attorney immediately about this offense, contact our Toms River Office. A lawyer is available any time of day or night to discuss your case at 732-286-6500.

Possession or Use of a Fake Drivers License or Other False Identification in Seaside Heights NJ

Although police often find the situation confusing because there are so many applicable statutes and laws when it comes to fake id charges, the main law on this subject is N.J.S.A. 33:1-81. This statute makes it unlawful for a person under legal drinking age to “misrepresent or misstate his age, or the age of any other person for the purpose of inducing any licensee or any employee of any licensee, to sell, serve or deliver any alcoholic beverage to a person under the legal age for purchasing alcoholic beverages.” You may also have been charged, in tandem or alone, under N.J.S.A. 2C:28-7 (“Tampering With Public Records or Information). This law makes it a disorderly persons offense to make a “false alteration” to a public record like a drivers license or to use such a document “knowing it to be false”. In more extreme cases, a complaint under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-2.1 (“Offenses Involving False Government Documents”) can be issued. This law makes it a third degree crime, a felony offense, to possess or exhibit a false identification. There is an exemption to this law that can often be invoked, however, where the misrepresentation was solely for the purpose of obtaining alcoholic beverages or tobacco.

Penalties That May Be Imposed In A Seaside Heights Fake ID Case

As previously stated, a conviction to any of the aforesaid charges involves, at a very minimum, a disorderly persons offense. This is the equivalent to a misdemeanor and results in a 2C criminal record that can be viewed by employers, lending institutions, licensing boards and the like, if you are convicted. The individual may be fined $500-$1,000 and have his/her driver’s license suspended for six (6) months. The court may also impose a jail sentence of up to six (6) months, alcohol treatment for up to six (6) months, or a combination thereof.

Seaside Heights NJ Fake ID Attorney

In order to avoid a record, drivers license suspension and any other ramifications of a false/fake ID charge you must obtain a dismissal and/or downgrade of the offense. This is something that the Seaside Heights criminal attorneys at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are able to achieve in almost all cases. This is a significant fact when you consider the effect that a record can have on your life. The situation would be even worse if you were convicted under 2C:21-2.1, something that has never occurred for our firm but carries 3-5 years in prison. Do not be shortsighted and put your future at risk by appearing in Seaside without a skilled attorney at your side. Take advantage of the opportunity for a free consultation with a lawyer on our team by calling 732-286-6500

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