*We Do Not Condone or Promote The Use of Fake IDs for Illegal Purposes. This site is for informational purposes only and we highly recommend you DO NOT USE Fake IDs. This is not legal advice, this is just the information we found on the web.
It’s a common occurrence in Texas for minors to use fake IDs to try and gain entry into clubs or purchase alcohol and tobacco. However, using a fake or altered ID for any purpose is illegal, including attempting to access someone else’s club membership, changing birth dates, or using a friend’s ID for health insurance purposes.
If you have been charged with possessing a fake ID in Texas or if someone you know faces this charge, it’s crucial to seek advice from a seasoned criminal defense attorney. The charges you may face can vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. Even though possession of a fake ID is usually a Class C misdemeanor, in certain cases, you could be charged with additional, more severe, or aggravated offenses.
Before pleading guilty to a fake ID charge, it is important to seek advice from an attorney to fully understand the potential long-term consequences.
Possession of a Fake ID in Texas
It is prohibited by Texas Penal Code § 521.452 for an individual to:
- It is unlawful to possess or display an ID that has been knowingly falsified or modified.
- Allowing someone else to use your driver’s license or certificate is prohibited.
- The instruction is to show someone else’s driver’s license or certificate
- Having multiple valid driver’s licenses or certificates is not allowed.
- Falsify your personal information, such as name, address, or documents, when applying for a new, replacement, or renewed driver’s license or certificate.
- Intentionally providing false information, hiding important details, or committing fraud when applying for a new, replacement, or renewed driver’s license or certificate.
Violating this law can lead to a Class A misdemeanor charge, which can mean imprisonment for 30 days to a year and a fine of up to $4,000. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 106.07 allows police to prosecute minors who attempt to purchase alcohol.
Possessing a fake ID could result in charges, and some actions could lead to this consequence.
- Lending your identification to a friend.
- Using a friend’s ID to try to buy alcohol.
- Possessing a fake ID.
- Attempting to use an ID that you know is not valid.
- Falsifying documents or providing false information on a driver’s license application.
Fake ID Laws in Texas – A minor falsely claimed their age.
In Texas, if someone who is under 21 uses a fake ID or lies about their age to buy or be served alcohol, they can be charged with “misrepresentation of age by a minor.” This is a common charge for fake ID violations and is illegal under section 106.07 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code and Texas Penal Code section 521.452. The punishment for this Class C misdemeanor can be a fine of up to $500.
If a young person pretends to be older to buy or get alcohol, they can be charged with a punishment for the alcohol-related offense by a minor under section 106.071 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. This is a Class C misdemeanor that carries a penalty of a fine between $250 and $2,000, a jail term of up to 180 days, 12 to 40 hours of community service, and a suspension of their driver’s license for 30 to 180 days. In addition, minors under 18 may be put on deferred adjudication by the court.
Fake ID Possession in Texas
Simply having a fake driver’s license or certificate is illegal in Texas, even if you don’t try to use it. Texas Penal Code § 521.453 states that it is against the law to have a document that looks like an official driver’s license or personal ID.
The law has an exception for documents that bear the statement “NOT A GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT” printed in solid red capital letters diagonally on both sides of the document. The letters must be at least ¼ of an inch in height. It is important to note that this exception does not apply to personal IDs produced or sold by federal, state, or political subdivisions, nor does it apply to employee identification cards issued by employers.
If a document looks like an official license or certificate issued by the government or another state, it is considered “deceptively similar”. In such cases, police officers are authorized to confiscate any fake ID that doesn’t clearly state “not a government document” according to the statutory requirements.
Having a Fake ID is against the law and is considered a Class C misdemeanor. If caught, you could face a fine of up to $500 and be required to complete 8 to 12 hours of community service. If you’re under 17 and found guilty of having a fake ID, the juvenile court may oversee your community service.
Tampering with Government Records in Texas
According to Texas Penal Code § 37.10, it is against the law to make a false modification to an official government record. The violation also covers the act of changing an official government record in any way.
- Intentionally creating a false entry or changing an official government record on purpose.
- It is illegal to create, present, or utilize a fake government document while knowing that it is not a genuine record.
- The message means purposely damaging, hiding, taking away, or making a government record unreadable, inaccessible, or dishonest.
- Selling or offering to sell a blank government form or record with the intention of it being used illegally is prohibited.
- Using or possessing a government form that you know to be fake is prohibited.
- It is illegal to have, sell, or try to sell a government record or blank government form that was obtained unlawfully by someone.
In Texas, the severity of the charge for tampering with a government record will vary based on the intention behind the action and the surrounding circumstances.
- Tampering with a government record is typically punished with a fine of up to $4,000 and imprisonment for a period between 30 days to one year. This is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.
- If someone plans to deceive or cause harm to another person, they can be charged with a state jail felony. The punishment for this offense includes a fine of up to $10,000 and a jail sentence of 180 days to two years.
- If the government record was used for school enrollment and is violated, it is considered a third-degree felony. This is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of up to two years.
- If a government record, such as a medical report or exam, is used as evidence in a criminal action, and it is violated, it is considered a third-degree felony.
- If someone falsifies a certification, maintenance, or inspection report for an instrument used to test physical evidence in a criminal case, they commit a third-degree felony.
- If a magistrate issues a search warrant that is part of the government record, then the offense is classified as a third-degree felony.
If someone intends to defraud or harm someone while tampering with records, it is often considered a second-degree felony.
Tampering with a government record is a serious offense that could result in charges. For instance, changing the birth date on a Texas driver’s license could lead to a third-degree felony.
Using Fake ID to Commit Identity Fraud
In the US and Texas, identity fraud is a severe offense that can result in felony charges, imprisonment for multiple years, and a $10,000 fine if you use stolen information. Holding the information can also lead to a Class A misdemeanor, imprisonment for up to a year, and a fine of up to $4,000.
According to Texas Penal Code § 32.51, if you use, possess, or transfer someone else’s identifying information without their consent, you may be charged with “fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.” This includes official government documents like a driver’s license, birth certificate, or social security card that are transferred without the owner’s consent.
The severity of violations varies from Class B misdemeanors to first-degree felonies and the penalties differ accordingly. A fine of $2,000 to $20,000 and imprisonment for a few days to a year or more for felony convictions may be imposed.
Conclusion
Identity theft is a serious problem that can cause significant financial and emotional damage. It’s important to understand the laws surrounding it so you can protect yourself and others from becoming victims of identity theft. In Texas, the penalties for identity theft are severe, ranging in severity from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the specifics of the case.
While it’s not possible to completely protect yourself from identity theft, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of becoming a victim. Be sure to keep all of your personal information secure and be aware of the people or organizations with whom you share personal information online or in person. By being proactive in protecting your identity
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Disclaimer: College Grazing is strongly against the illegal use of Fake IDs and does not condone or promote them in any way. Fake IDs offered online are designed solely for recreational or entertainment purposes. Using an ID that isn’t yours is Illegal. Under no circumstances should you ever resort to using a counterfeit ID for any unlawful activities. Prior to making or purchasing one, be sure that you are well-informed of the repercussions in case it is utilized improperly. This content was created solely for informational purposes, and we are not accountable for any decisions made to acquire a fraudulent identification card. If you purchase from one of the vendors listed below, we may receive a commission as compensation.