Fake ID & False Identification – Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been found in possession of or attempting to use falsified identification, more commonly know as a “fake ID” in Tarrant county, you may not know that there can be serious legal repercussions to your actions. Regardless of whether or not you made or purchased false identification or simply “borrowed” the actual identification from another person, these are all illegal under Texas law and can be punishable anywhere between a simple misdemeanor and a felony crime.

If you have been arrested for the use or possession of a fake ID in Texas, you may have a long road ahead of you.

What Is Considered a Crime Regarding Fake IDs in Texas?

In Texas, there are wide sweeping statutes that cover the use or possession of a fake ID. They include providing fraudulent information on identification such as an incorrect name or date of birth, displaying or owning a form of ID that has been altered to make it untrue, using someone else’s license or identification, possessing multiple driver’s licenses or even lending your actual license to someone else.

What is the Punishment for Using a Fake ID in Texas?

The most serious punishment comes when someone changes information on a valid driver’s license or other form of government issued identification. Tampering with a government record, even your own license, is a third degree felony, punishable with up to 10 years in jail and a fine that can be up to $10,000.

If you have simply used someone else’s license or created a fictitious license or ID, these are misdemeanor crimes ranging from Class A to Class C, with punishments ranging from a year in jail to $500-$4000 fines.

In most cases, the use of a fake ID, be it one that belongs to someone else or was purchased and is fictitious, is one used by a minor to gain access to items or areas that are age prohibitive. This is considered a class C misdemeanor and punishable with a fine up to $500. However there are other unintended consequences such a disciplinary action by your school, so even for this crime you would do well to seek legal counsel.