What Are the Consequences if a Minor Uses a Fake ID in Wisconsin?

 Posted on October 05, 2020 in Criminal Defense

There are many things that you need identification (ID) for, such as getting married, taking a flight, applying for public aid and assistance, purchasing a house, and the list goes on. For many teenagers, fake ID cards are an attractive option to allow them to purchase alcohol and drink with their friends even though they are under the age of 21. The existence of fake ID cards undermines the validity of legitimate ID cards, which is why cases involving false identification are taken so seriously. Getting a fake ID card can seem like a good idea, but if you are caught using a fake ID in Wisconsin, you could face serious criminal charges that could have a major impact on your future.

Wisconsin Fake ID Laws

Most of the time, if a juvenile is caught with a fake ID card, he or she purchased or obtained the card from another person in an attempt to buy alcohol. Wisconsin law states that juveniles could be charged with a fake ID offense if they do any of the following:

• Intentionally and knowingly carry an official ID card that is not issued to them, an ID card obtained under false pretenses, or an ID card that has been altered to convey false information

• Make, alter, or duplicate an official ID card that falsely shows that they have reached at least the age of 21

• Offer false information to an issuing officer when applying for an ID card

• Intentionally carry an ID card that shows that they are at least 21 years old when they know that information is false

Penalties for a fake ID violation can vary greatly depending on a variety of circumstances, such as past criminal history or misbehavior. Wisconsin law states that an underage offender who is convicted of any of the above actions faces between $300 and $1,250 in fines, a driver’s license suspension, participation in a supervised work program or community service, or a combination of any of these punishments. 

Contact a Waukesha County Criminal Defense Attorney Today 

If your child has been caught using a fake ID in an effort to purchase or consume alcohol, you need to speak with a skilled Brookfield juvenile defense lawyer as soon as possible. Being charged with underage alcohol-related offenses can become very serious and end up affecting your child for a long time. At the accomplished law firm of Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP, we will work hard to ensure your child’s future is protected. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 262-232-6699. We answer our phones 24/7.

Sources:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/125/I/085

https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/safety/education/drunk-drv/owi-youth-penchrt.pdf