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From prom parties to smartphones, teens are offered numerous privileges in this day and age. However, they’re still required to wait until the age of 21 to buy alcohol. While some minors try to circumvent the law by using a fake ID, juvenile law attorneys know that Ohio courts aren’t lenient in this regard. Use the following guide to learn more about the consequences of using a fake ID.

A Brief Guide to Ohio’s Fake ID Laws

What If You Own a Fake ID?

In Ohio, you can face legal penalties for merely possessing a fake ID—you don’t have to be caught using it to get in trouble. Whether you made it, bought it, or took someone else’s, you could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. As a result, you could receive a jail sentence of up to six months and asked to pay up to $1,000 in fines. If you have a driver’s license, the judge may choose to suspend it. Students in college who are found with a fake ID could even be expelled.

What Happens If You Get Caught Using a Fake ID?

juvenile lawIn Ohio, you will also receive a first-degree misdemeanor if you try to use a fake ID to buy alcohol. Even if you’re over 18, those under 21 may have to pay up to $1,000 in fines or go to jail for up to a year. Unfortunately, if the ID belonged to someone else and was not merely manufactured, the owner of the identification card may have their license suspended for 12 months. 

Worse, you may be charged with fraud, as you were trying to convince the liquor store, bar, or club bouncer that you were over 21. This charge is hard to shed from your record and could have an effect on your future career and housing pursuits.

What If You’re a Minor?

If you’re under the age of 18, you’re still vulnerable to the fraud and fake ID charges. You’re also at risk of the “minor in possession of alcohol” command, which may result in jail time, fines, community service, or supervised counseling programs. However, as a minor, you have the hope of getting your record expunged, or cleared, in the future.

 

If you’re looking for a juvenile law attorney in the Hamilton, OH, area, turn to Michael A. Newland Esquire today. He has over 20 years of experience helping minors and their parents, whether they were caught with a fake ID or charged with a DUI. In addition to criminal charges, he also deals with will preparation and traffic charges. To learn more about his offerings, visit the website, or call (513) 887-9595 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled juvenile law lawyer.

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