Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney ~ HELPING TOURISTS AND LOCALS FOR OVER 30 YEARS
Call Now 24/7 443-783-2451
Office 410-641-2999
Ocean City Maryland Best DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney
False/Fake identification documents are common among many young people such as high school and college students, and some young people may have the impression that false/fake ID criminal charge is not a big deal – however, this is not the case. The truth is, if you or your child has been charged with a false/fake ID offense, you will need the help of an experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer right away. In Maryland, false/fake ID offenses are considered identity fraud crimes and can carry harsh penalties that can affect an individual’s future employment opportunities. I, Frank Benvenuto will put forth a strong defense on your behalf, helping you to fight a false/fake ID charge that could negatively impact your life.
Types of False/Fake Government IDs
Please be advised, there are several different ways a person can end up with a false/fake ID charge. A person can be arrested for making, selling, possession or using a fake ID, but he or she could also end up in trouble with the law for lending an authentic ID document for use by another person.
Unfortunately, this means you could be facing false/fake ID criminal charges if your ID was actually lost or stolen, or “borrowed” without your knowledge by a friend or family member. If you have been wrongly accused of a false/fake ID offense, I can help. Contact Us.
Individuals can receive charges for possessing a false/fake ID under either under the Maryland Traffic Article (TA), Section 16-301 or Maryland Criminal Law Section 8-303, each of which impose different penalties upon conviction or false documentation
Maryland Traffic Article (TA) Section 10-115
Maryland False/Fake ID Penalties
When you think about a false/fake ID, a false driver’s license probably comes to mind, but a false/fake Id can actually be any type of misrepresented or fraudulent government documentation, like a social security card, passport, or birth certificate. Regardless of what type of documentation you have been accused of misrepresenting, however, our Maryland false/fake ID attorneys understand that such charges can be harsh. Therefore, Contact Me, Frank Benvenuto, I can help you.
Under Section 16-301 of the Transportation Article
​
-
a) Fraud in obtaining on driver’s license – A person may not knowingly or fraudulently obtain or attempt to obtain a driver’s license by misrepresentation.
-
b) Fraud in the application for a license – A person may not in any application for a drivers license:
-
Use a false or fictitious name
-
Knowingly make a false statement
-
Knowingly conceal a material fact
-
Or otherwise commit fraud.
-
-
c) N/A
-
d) N/A
-
e) N/A
-
f) Display as fictitious license – A person may not display, cause or permit to be displayed any fictitious license.
-
g) Display of fraudulently altered license. – A person may not display, cause or permit it to be displayed, any fraudulently altered license.
-
h) N/A
-
i) N/A
-
j) Possession of a fictitious license –A person may not possess a fictitious license.
-
k) Possession of fraudulently altered license – A person may not possess any fraudulently altered license.
-
l) Loaning license – A person may not lend his license to any other person or knowingly permit the use of his license by another.
-
m) Display or representation of license not one’s own – A person may not lend his license to any other person or knowingly permit the use of his license by another.
-
n) N/A
-
o) Permitting unlawful use of license – A person many not permit any unlawful use of a license issued to him.
-
p) Prohibited acts. – A person may not do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required by this title.
add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
Secondly, if you are under age, you may also be charged under this Section of the Transportation Article for False ID. Also, if you are under age and you present or process an altered or false ID.
FALSE STATEMENT TO A POLICE OFFICER
Further, if you continue to lie to a police officer about the false identification and you provide it to a police officer which caused a false report, there is a possibility that you could be charged with making a false report.
If you have been charged with the Crime of Making A False Statement to a Law Enforcement Officer; here is what you need to know:
(Section 9-501 of the Criminal Law Article)
“A person may not make, or cause a statement, report, complaint that the person knows to be false as a whole or in a material part, to a Law Enforcement Officer of the State, of a County, Municipal Corporation, or other political subdivision of the State.
If convicted, the conviction is a misdemeanor. The penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 6 (six) months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Consult an Experienced Maryland Criminal Lawyer
Possessing or using a false/fake ID in Maryland is considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine. Selling a false/fake ID, however, carries a harsher penalty of up to 2 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $2,000. Making and distributing false/fake IDs may also warrant federal charges and time in federal prison. Folks who get convicted of a false/fake ID offense may also lose their driver’s license for up to 6 months for a first offense or a year for a second offense.
​
In addition, a false/fake ID conviction could result in penalties through a student’s college or university, for instance. While these types of penalties, like suspension from school or sports, loss of scholarships or honor status, or expulsion, do not affect a student’s criminal record, they can significantly affect a student’s future, including his or her eligibility for graduate school or financial aid assistance.
​
If you or someone you know has been charged with a false/fake ID offense, I can help you and I will fight to keep your record clean. While some may downplay the severity of a false/fake ID charge, its potential to negatively impact your future cannot be taken lightly. However, with Frank Benvenuto by your side, you can have peace of mind in knowing that an experienced criminal defense attorney is looking out for your best interests. Call me, Frank Benvenuto at 443-783-2451 or email me using my Contact Us page.