Students Using Fake Id Risk More Than Underage Drinking Charges

SCHENECTADY, NY, March 22, 2012

At some campuses, a fake driver's license is almost a standard accessory for college students. In a small sample of students at a branch of the State University of New York, more than three-fourths of students interviewed admitted that they carry false identification -- mainly to gain entry to bars and to buy alcohol.

When surveyed, many students admitted that it was challenging to convince bouncers that they are of legal age. Identification is carefully scrutinized, because bar owners do not want to jeopardize their state alcohol license by violating laws against underage liquor sales.

While underage drinking while in college almost seems like a rite of passage, many students using fake ids are not fully aware of the penalties they can face for possessing and using falsified identification. At a minimum, they can be turned away from bars and their fake ids can be confiscated. If law enforcement is called, they could be charged with underage alcohol consumption. More seriously, a number of misdemeanor and even felony-level crimes are associated with the manufacture, distribution, use, and possession of falsified identification.

In one such case in 2011, two students, an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old, from colleges near Albany, New York, were arrested and charged with felony criminal possession of a forged instrument and conspiracy. Each offense is punishable by two to seven years in jail. The students were caught after local police cracked down on organized schemes to produce and distribute fake identification. The two students allegedly conspired to provide forged driver's licenses to more than 20 people, taking pictures and obtaining signatures for the falsified documents and selling them for $75.00 each. Because the students apparently ordered the fake licenses from China, United States Customs became involved in the investigation. In addition to the criminal charges against the NY college students, the two may also face discipline from their colleges for code of conduct violations.

Recently, a more complex fake identification ring was uncovered at a pair of southern colleges where hundreds of students apparently purchased falsified driver's licenses. In that instance, five students were arrested for making and selling the licenses. A fraternity house was alleged to be a major distribution point. To aid in their investigation, police gave students who had purchased fake licenses the opportunity to turn in the licenses and avoid prosecution for possession of forged documents. They collected over 300 phony licenses. The investigation in that case is still ongoing, and more arrests could ensue.

Underage students looking for a good time partying with friends at a bar can certainly get more than they bargained for if they are caught with falsified identification. It is important to be aware that simply having a fake license is a criminal offense, even if a student had no part in making or selling these documents. The consequences of being charged with a crime and incurring discipline from their schools are no small matters. If you have been charged with a crime on or near a college campus, contact a criminal defense attorney experienced in handling crimes on college campuses.

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