Totowa NJ Fake ID Possession Lawyer

Juvenile and Student Defense Attorney in Passaic County and Throughout New Jersey

The use of fake IDs, also referred to as “false identification cards,” is an accepted part of young life for many young Americans, including those in New Jersey. However, research shows a correlation between use of fake IDs by college students and more frequent drinking overall. According to a study published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, almost two-thirds of the students surveyed had used a fake ID to purchase alcohol at least once during college. Students used fake IDs approximately 25 percent of the time that they drank alcohol before the age of 21; and the more frequently they used fake IDs, the more often they drank. While underage students (under age 21) are shown to drink less frequently than their college peers who are of legal age to drink (21 to 23), they are more likely to engage in high-risk drinking behaviors, which may result in car accidents, serious injuries, sexual violence, and alcohol-related health disorders. Perhaps this is why New Jersey lawmakers take the issue of fake IDs so seriously, prosecuting those found in possession of a fake ID to the fullest extent of the law.

Alissa Hascup is a highly experienced criminal and DWI defense attorney who aggressively advocates for juveniles and young adults charged with alcohol-related offenses like possession of a fake ID across New Jersey. As a former Municipal Prosecutor and Assistant County Prosecutor, Ms. Hascup has unique insight into the way the State prosecutes these cases, and she uses this valuable knowledge to formulate the most effective defenses for her clients. In courts from Hudson County to Morris County, and Middlesex County to Essex County, Alissa has achieved positive outcomes for students at universities like Rutgers, Montclair State, Saint Peter’s, and Fairleigh Dickison, as well as juveniles and other young adults. To learn how Ms. Hascup can help you, and find the answers to your questions, contact her offices at 862-257-1200 for immediate assistance. Initial consultations are always provided free of charge.

Possession of a Fake ID in New Jersey

Possession of a Fake ID is a criminal offense in New Jersey, known as “tampering with public records or information.” This crime, outlined in section N.J.S.A. 2C:28-7, is typically classified as a disorderly persons offense. According to this statute, a person commits this offense if he or she:

(1) Knowingly makes a false entry in, or false alteration of, any record, document or thing belonging to, or received or kept by, the government for information or record, or required by law to be kept by others for information of the government; or

(2) Makes, presents, offers for filing, or uses any record, document or thing knowing it to be false, and with purpose that it be taken as a genuine part of information or records referred to in paragraph

Juvenile Charges for Possession of a Fake ID in New Jersey

In New Jersey, a person under the age of 18 is legally considered a juvenile, which means that he or she is subject to the procedural rules of the juvenile justice system. If you are a juvenile charged with possession of a Fake ID in New Jersey, your case will likely be adjudicated in the Family Division of the Superior Court in your county of residence. In other words, if you are accused of committing a crime in Hudson County, but you live in Union County, you will appear before a Family Court judge in the Union County Superior Court. At this proceeding, you are required to have an attorney who will represent you.

If you are found guilty of possession of a fake ID, you are technically “adjudicated delinquent,” which is similar to a criminal conviction for an adult. However, your sentence may be very different from that of an adult defendant convicted of the same crime. In juvenile court, the legal standard is “the best interests of the child.” This means that the judge will consider a variety of factors before determining the appropriate sentence. At sentencing, judges evaluate factors including: the nature and circumstances of the offense; your age, previous record, and social services received; your unique needs; and the likelihood that you will respond well to rehabilitative measures. Potential sentences in juvenile cases include: probation, community service, mental health counseling, detention (incarceration), drug rehabilitation treatment, suspension of driving privileges, or restitution. In order to secure the best outcome, it is highly advisable to have an attorney representing your best interests before sentencing.

Fake ID Possession Charges for College Students and Young Adults in NJ

If you are 18 or older and charged with possession of a fake ID in New Jersey, you will be required to appear in the local Municipal Court where you were charged. In other words, if you were charged with possession of a fake ID at a local bar in Hoboken, you will be required to appear at Hoboken Municipal Court to be prosecuted. As mentioned above, possession of a fake ID is typically classified as a disorderly persons offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:28-7.

If you are convicted of possession of a fake ID, you may face the following penalties:

• A sentence to serve up to 6 months in the county jail
• A fine of up to $1,000
• A conviction on your criminal record

A criminal charge on your record can be a significant hindrance as you pursue employment, educational, and other opportunities in the future. You may be able to have your record cleaned with an expungement; however, the conviction will always appear on a background check if you apply for a job in government, law enforcement, or the U.S. military.

Contact a Denville NJ Fake ID Defense Attorney Today

If you are a juvenile, college student, or other young adult charged with possession of a fake ID in New Jersey, you need an aggressive legal advocate protecting your rights and your interests. Contact Alissa Hascup to discuss your case and receive a free consultation. With offices conveniently located in Morris County and Passaic County, she defends clients in courts across the state. Simply call 862-257-1200 today.