Fake ID Cards. Fun or Risky?

Having a fake ID sounds like a fun idea.? You can get into bars and taverns and even buy alcohol for your friends.? It is especially tempting when you just want to be able to hang out in a bar with your friends who are 21 years old.? But what happens if you get caught with a fake I.D. card?

In Washington State, it is illegal to possess an ID not belonging to you. It is also illegal to give or loan your I.D. card to another person for the purpose of purchasing alcohol or for the purposes of entering premises where you must be 21 years old to enter.[1]

• It is a misdemeanor in Washington State to possess an ID not belonging to you. The penalties include: ? Minimum Fine: $250, with a maximum of $1000. Up to 90 days in jail. If community restitution is required, a minimum of 25 hours of community service.
• ?A person who provides their I.D. for another person for the purpose of purchasing alcohol faces a misdemeanor as well.? The penalties include: Minimum Fine: $250, with a maximum of $1000. Up to 90 days in jail. If community restitution is required, a minimum of 25 hours of community service.

What about making Fake ID’s for other people?? With printers and advanced technology, it may be tempting to make some money by creating Fake IDs and selling them.

Providing, forging, or manufacturing ID cards to people under 21 will also land you in trouble with the law. Manufacturing a fake ID is a more serious crime.[2]? It is classified as a gross misdemeanor with penalties that include:

• Minimum fine: $2,500.
• Up to one year in jail.

With college acceptance letters going out and graduation coming up, it may be tempting to get a fake I.D. to purchase alcohol or marijuana or just to participate in a pool league or see a band you love.? The excitement of joining in on the fun with friends could end with criminal charges, or worse, loss of college scholarships and recission of a college acceptance letter.?

Don’t risk it.? There is plenty of time in life to enjoy wineries, go to nightclubs, and have a mimosa with your breakfast.? A decision to use a fake ID today can derail your future plans.

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Gina Buskirk is a partner at Puget Law Group focusing on criminal defense and criminal traffic crimes including DUI and Reckless Driving. With nearly two decades of experience as a prosecutor, she spent much of her career training officers in traffic enforcement and criminal investigation. She also serves as a pro tem judge and regularly handles criminal and traffic calendars. Her experience in various roles in the criminal justice system gives her unique insight into how to best represent her clients in a way that gets positive results in challenging cases. pugetlawgroup.com

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[1] RCW 66.20.200

[2] RCW 66.44.328