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The temptation to join older peers in purchasing alcohol has existed in society for decades. With federal law changing the legal drinking age to 21 in 1984, the demand for fake IDs has skyrocketed. While this activity may seem like harmless fun, the fact is that state law prohibits the furnishing of a false ID for the purpose of buying alcohol.
A Newnan fake ID lawyer may be able to help you if you are facing accusations of using false identification to purchase alcohol. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney could explain the relevant laws and work with you to develop a strategy to fight back against these allegations in court.
Since 1984, all states have a minimum drinking age of 21. Under state law, any seller of alcohol suspects a customer is under the age of 21 must ask that person to present their ID. This ID may be a driver’s license, a passport, or any other form of government identification.
Because sellers of alcohol typically accept these documents as genuine, the law punishes people who provide false identification. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 3-3-23, it is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to misrepresent their age when attempting to purchase alcohol. This may include using an ID that incorrectly states a person’s date of birth and situations where a person presents a genuine ID that is not theirs.
Furthermore, it is also illegal to create or sell any form of fake identification that misrepresents a person’s age or identity. A Newnan attorney could provide more information about the state laws that prohibit the use of fake IDs for the purpose of buying alcohol.
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O.C.G.A. § 3-3-23.1 outlines the potential penalties for using a fake ID. The exact nature of the penalties someone may face depends on the circumstances that led to their arrest. For example, attempting to purchase alcohol while underage, but without using a fake ID, is a misdemeanor that can carry a maximum fine of $300 or up to six months in jail. More serious consequences result from accusations of using a false ID. Here, the potential penalties increase to a maximum fine of $1,000 and a potential jail sentence of up to one year if charged as a misdemeanor. However, an over-zealous prosecutor may try to charge this fact-pattern as felony identity fraud.
A Newnan fake ID attorney works to help people fight against the charges and avoid these punishments. A legal professional may be able to contest whether a defendant ever presented an ID to a store clerk or waiter. They could also argue whether it was clear that a person attempted to purchase alcohol using this fake identification. In short, an attorney could listen to an accused person’s side of the story to develop a defense that best fits their case.
Using a fake ID for the purpose of purchasing alcohol has become common among teenagers. Especially when someone’s friends reach the age of 21, it is only natural to attempt to fit in. Sadly, this behavior is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal. State law harshly punishes people under the age of 21 who attempt to buy alcohol, and making this attempt through the use of a fake ID exposes a person to enhanced penalties.
To work to avoid these penalties, reach out to a Newnan fake ID lawyer. Our legal team is ready to stand up for your rights in court and help you protect your future.
