Juveniles Caught With Fake IDs in Illinois: The Consequences

 Posted on November 17, 2017 in Criminal Defense

As the legal drinking age in Illinois is 21, it is not all that uncommon for underage juveniles to be caught with fake IDs. While such an offense may not seem like more than a youthful indiscretion, it is important to note that unlawful possession of fictitious identification in Illinois can be charged as a felony offense under some circumstances.

Unlawful Possession of Fictitious Identification

Under code section 15 ILCS 335/14A, it is a felony offense for any person in Illinois to:

• Knowingly possess or display a fake or illegally altered ID card;
• Knowingly possess or display a fake or illegally altered ID card in order to obtain a bank account, credit, a debit card, or a credit card;
• Knowingly possess a fake or illegally altered ID card in order to commit credit card fraud, theft, or any other illegal action;
• Knowingly possess a fake or illegally altered ID card in order to commit a violation which can be punished by imprisonment for one year or more;
• Knowingly possess a fake or illegally altered ID card while also in unauthorized possession of a document or device that is capable of defrauding another;
• Knowingly possess a fake or illegally altered ID card while intending to use said card in order to acquire another source of identification;
• Knowingly issue (or assist another in issuing) a fake ID card;
• Knowingly change, or attempt to change, an ID card;
• Knowingly possess, manufacture, provide, or transfer an identification document (either real or fake) in order to obtain a fake ID card;
• Apply for a fake ID card for another person; or
• Retain someone to apply for a fake ID card.

Offenders convicted of unlawfully possessing fictitious identification in Illinois can be found guilty of a:

• Class 4 felony – If the offender knowingly possessed or displayed a fake or illegally altered ID card, applied for a fake ID card for another, or had someone apply for a fake ID card for him or her. However, if the offender is convicted of a second or subsequent violation thenhe or she isguilty of a Class 3 felony.
• Class 4 felony – If the offender had two or more fake or illegally altered ID cards inhis or her possession at the timehe or shewas arrested.

Additional Potential Consequences

In addition to the consequences outlined above, individuals who violate our state’s fake ID laws can find themselves in a heap of trouble. For example, the State of Illinois has the power to revoke or suspend an individual’s driving privileges ifhe or she is caught violating our state’s fake ID laws even if the individual is never convicted. Furthermore, anyone caught engaging in one or more of the following acts can be convicted of a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by a fine or up to $2,500 and up to a year in jail):

• Knowingly allowing someone else to usehis or her ID,
• Using someone else’s ID, or
• Altering a state ID or driver’s license.

Let Us Help You Today

If you or your child has been charged with unlawful possession of fictitious identification or a related offense in Illinois, contact the experienced Rolling Meadows juvenile charges defense lawyers of The Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley without delay. Our firm handles a wide array of criminal defense cases throughout Illinois and has stellar references. Do not hesitate to contact us today for help.

Source:

https://www.illinois.gov/ilcc/All%20documents%20site%20wide/Education/Under%2021/Materials/MinorFakeIdEnglish.pdf

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=001503350K14A