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Michigan Fake ID Possession Penalties: Fake Driver's License Fines

Possessing fraudulent government-issued identification may seem like a harmless act that would not result in significant penalties, but it is not. The penalties associated with possessing fake state or government issued identification can be severe and are dependent on the reason for the possession.

Some fake I.D. violations are felonies in Michigan. This fact alone justifies immediately retaining a lawyer near me with extensive criminal law attorney experience in defending such cases.

Those who are indigent (unable to pay) may have their criminal court case judge appoint a PD (public defender) or a court-appointed criminal defense attorney to protect your legal rights. The Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees this no-cost legal defense advocate for you.

Michigan fake ID charges can be severe with $2000 fines, jail time, and probation. Trying to purchase alcohol with a fake driver’s license can land you in a lot of trouble.What Is a Fake ID in Michigan? Why Was Someone Using False ID?

Under Michigan law, a person that intentionally reproduces, alters, or duplicates an official state personal identification card photograph, an official state personal identification card image, an official state personal identification card, or the electronic data contained on an official state personal identification card has committed a crime.

The individual's purpose for possessing fraudulent identification dictates the penalties associated with the crime.

As such, if false identification is used to defraud another, the penalty for possessing the fake ID would be in addition to penalties associated with the original fraud making it even more important that a Michigan fake ID attorney is consulted.

Conviction Penalties for Possessing a Michigan Fake ID – Misdemeanor and Felony

If any act described above is for the purpose of committing or aiding in the commission of serious felonies, it is punishable by fines up to $20,000 and up to 10 years' imprisonment. If the intent of any of the above-described acts is to commit or aid in the commission of a felony that is punishable with less than 10 years' imprisonment or a misdemeanor that is punishable with, at least, six months' incarceration, it is punishable by fines up to $10,000 and up to five years' incarceration.

Possession of fake identification for the purpose of assisting with or committing a misdemeanor that is punishable by imprisonment for less than six months is a misdemeanor offense that is punishable on its own with up to one-year incarceration, a fine up to $2,000, or both.

Possessing fake identification with the intent to sell it to another person is a felony offense that is punishable by fines up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Solely possessing fake state identification is a misdemeanor offense that can be punished with fines that do not exceed $2,000, incarceration for up to 12 months, or both.

Importance of Intent in False Identification Prosecutions

Since many of the charges require intent, the actions of the person possessing the fake identification will generally be subjectively interpreted to determine intent. For example, a 20-year-old college student, who is arrested for disorderly behavior in a bar with a fake state issued identification card listing their age at 21 or older, subjectively has intent to engage in underage drinking.

Reproducing, altering, or possessing fraudulent identification may seem like a victimless crime. The accused may have no intention of engaging in a felony.

It is impossible, however, to plan for every contingency and felony offenses, such as vehicular manslaughter, can happen in a blink of the eye. If that were to occur, the penalty for possessing fraudulent identification can increase substantially.

If you have been charged with possession of fraudulent identification in Michigan, contact a nearby skilled Michigan fraud attorney to ensure that your rights are protected. A Michigan fake ID attorney can work hard to defend you in your case and ensure a strong defense is built.

Michigan fraud attorney Patrick Barone handles fake ID cases in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Troy, Birmingham, and other cities.Contact a Michigan Fake ID Attorney at Barone Defense Firm – Free Case Review

To ensure that you have the best defense that is appropriate for your case in Michigan, it is imperative that you contact a knowledgeable Michigan fraudulent identification attorney that has experience with similar cases in the jurisdiction that you are charged in.

An experienced Michigan fake ID attorney has defended clients in court, is familiar with the parties, and is aware of the pitfalls of multiple arguments. Thus, a client has the possibility of a better outcome for their future with a skilled lawyer nearby.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
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Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
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Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
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The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.