For many people, it seems to be a college ritual. They borrow an older friend's driver's license or state ID to purchase alcohol or get into a nightclub. It may seem like harmless fun, but it's actually a crime that requires hiring an attorney, going to court, and paying fines to resolve. You should understand the following facts before presenting false identification. 

Are There Different Types of Fake ID Crimes? 

There are two types of criminal false identification. The first involves borrowing someone else's legitimate, government-issued identification card and presenting it as your own. In most cases, mere possession of this ID is not considered a crime. However, presenting it as your own is a crime in almost every state.

Meanwhile, the more serious crime is the use of counterfeit documents. For instance, mere possession of a document that purports to be a state ID, but which was not issued by the state, is normally a crime. Although the first type of fake ID crime is rarely punished by more than a fine, the second can result in incarceration and probation.

What Are the Penalties in Nebraska? 

In Nebraska, minors using a friend's identification card to buy beer or enter a bar are unlikely to be charged with anything beyond being a minor in possession of alcohol. This can depend on the surrounding circumstances and the efforts of your attorney, though.

However, knowing use of counterfeit documents is a class IV felony and is punishable by up to two years in state prison, probation, and up to $10,000 in fines. Using someone else's state-issued ID to gain unlawful employment is a class II misdemeanor and punishable by up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines.

If you have been charged with a fake ID crime and need legal advice, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Reiman Law Firm in Lincoln, NE. They have been serving clients in and around Lancaster County for more than 15 years and have a long record of successful representation. Along with fake ID matters, they also specialize in gun charges, DUI defense, and drug charges. Visit their website to learn more about their service areas, or call (402) 477-2130 to schedule an attorney consultation.