Virginia Beach Fake ID Lawyer
Fake ID laws are in place to protect people from identity theft, benefits theft, voter fraud, and other criminal activities. Understandably, the ease of making, selling, and using a fake ID is a draw to some. Unfortunately, those who see fake IDs as a way to make money or obtain property fraudulently may find themselves in need of a Virginia Beach fake ID lawyer.
Fake ID Laws in Virginia
Under Virginia Code Section 18.2-204.2, it is illegal for anyone to make, advertise for sale, sell, or possess fake driver’s licenses, U.S. Armed Forces ID cards, US passports or visas from a foreign government, a special ID card issued by the state of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, or any official ID issued by any other federal, state, or foreign agency.
The only exception to this law is provided according to Virginia Code Section 18.2-204.1, subsection D, which states that fake IDs can be made, sold, and possessed by law enforcement in the performance of their jobs, as in undercover assignments.
Making and Selling Fake IDs
There are many reasons a person will make fake IDs, such as to sell to others for the purpose of providing false ID, to obtain alcohol while underage, to gain admittance to a club or adults-only event, to take on the persona of another in order to commit crimes of forgery or espionage, or to access government benefits under a false identity. No matter the reason, making and selling false IDs is a crime. If you have questions regarding laws against the making or selling of fake IDs, and the laws pertaining to forgery, a Virginia Beach fake ID attorney may have the answers you’re looking for.
Penalties for Fake IDs
If charged with making, advertising for sale, or selling fake IDs, you can be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor, and you may face up to a year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
If you are found guilty of possessing a fake ID, you may be charged with a class 2 misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
These penalties may be considered light, compared to the class 4 felony penalties for forgery, for which you’d face up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000. But the truth is that making, selling, or possessing fake IDs is a crime, and if you’ve committed the crime you may find yourself behind bars. A qualified and experienced Virginia Beach fake ID lawyer who knows the ins and outs of fake ID laws is a person you’ll want to have in your corner from the moment they read you your rights. Also, a fake ID attorney in Virginia Beach with experience defending against charges associated with fake IDs may be able to answer your questions concerning possible alternatives to jail time or fines.
A Virginia Beach Fake ID Lawyer Can Help
Making, selling, or using fake IDs is a crime, but we understand that mistakes are made, and everyone deserves a second chance. If you’ve been charged with possessing or manufacturing fake IDs, a Virginia Beach fake ID lawyer may provide you with guidance and advice, and help you build a defense.