New Brunswick NJ Fake ID Lawyer
New Brunswick usually has the most fake ID charges in Middlesex County given the concentration of underage college students and bars like Olde Queens, the Golden Rail and the Scarlet Pub. If you have been charged with use or possession of a false identification or document purporting to verify your age (e.g. drivers license) in New Brunswick, Piscataway, Sayreville, South Amboy, Dunellen or another municipality, it is important that you know what consequences apply if you are convicted. A fake drivers license offense results in a criminal record that will be seen by prospective employers, graduate schools and licensing boards for years to come. This is why you should contact a criminal lawyer at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall. Our former prosecutors and highly experienced defense attorneys have victoriously handled countless identity theft, underage alcohol and fake ID charges. To speak to an attorney on our staff with the expertise you need, call our New Brunswick Office at 732-246-7126 or Piscataway Office at 732-392-7202 for a free initial consultation.
False Identification Offense in Middlesex County
A false identification offense is most frequently filed in Middlesex County under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-2.1. This law makes it illegal to make, possess or exhibit a false identification or age verification document such as a forged or counterfeit drivers license, birth certificate or similar document. To prove this violation, the prosecutors must prove the document: (1) appeared to be a driver’s license or other printed form issued by a governmental agency; (2) was forged or a counterfeit; (3) was something that could be used to verify the age or identity of an individual; (4) was possessed, used or exhibited by you; and (5) was something that you knew was false or fake.
It is a third degree crime to exhibit or display a false identification contrary to 2C:21-2.1. Possession of such a document is a fourth degree crime. Both of these grades of fake ID offense are felony crimes that must be referred to the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick NJ for disposition. A local municipal court lacks jurisdiction to decide charges that are indictable such as a third or fourth degree counterfeit license violation. The penalties that apply at the time of sentencing include up to 18 months in state prison and a $10,000 fine for a fourth degree, and up to 5 years and a $15,000 fine for a third degree. These penalties may be avoided, however, if you are able to gain admission and complete the Pretrial Intervention Program.
Exception Where Document Is Issued To Purchase Alcohol Underage. This offense is reduced to a disorderly persons offense where the accused is using the personal information of another to purchase alcoholic beverages. The penalties resulting from this violation include up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The court must also impose a driver’s license suspension of 6-24 months at the time of sentencing.
East Brunswick NJ Fake ID Attorneys
As attorneys who routinely practice in East Brunswick, we realize just how often a charge for having a false/fake ID arises in the township. For those who have the misfortune of facing such a charge, we can offer highly qualified representation. Our lawyers understand the severity of these cases and what needs to be done to eliminate a criminal record and other penalties. If you attempted to use a forged/counterfeit driver’s license or other official document in East Brunswick, Edison, South Plainfield, Woodbridge or Old Bridge, our team of criminal defense lawyers has the tools to insure you avoid a life altering result. Call our East Brunswick Office at 732-227-1200 for the attention you deserve.
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