Obtaining and using a fake ID might not seem like a huge deal, especially if it’s just so you can get into bars and clubs with your older friends, but if you are arrested for possessing a fake ID, you may face serious criminal charges. If you have been charged with possession or use of a false ID card, please contact a skilled Vista criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Depending on the specifics of your arrest, a conviction for possessing a fake ID can result in a prison sentence of up to three years and you could also face up to $10,000 in fines. Using a fake driver’s license will also result in the DMV revoking your license. Additionally, if you try to impersonate another with false identification to obtain services or goods, you will also be charged with identity theft. Charges and penalties are particularly severe if you tried to use the ID to fool a law enforcement officer.

Fortunately, there are many strong defenses against these charges and with a top criminal defense lawyer in Vista on your side, you can escape a conviction by proving your innocence or negotiating a fair plea bargain. In some cases, your defense attorney might be able to argue that you didn’t know that the ID was fake. In other situations, you might be able to show that you had no intention to use the ID for fraudulent purposes -for example, many people have novelty driver’s licenses that are only intended as a joke, not as a way to fool people.

If you have been charged with using or possessing a fake driver’s license or other type of fraudulent identification, please contact Peter M. Liss, a top Vista defense attorney. Call (858) 486-3024 at any time to schedule a free initial consultation.

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