What to Do When Caught With a Fake ID in North Carolina

At the Law Offices of Matthew J. Davenport, we represent local and out-of-state students who are caught with fake IDs in bars, liquor stores, or other settings. For dependable advice about the best approach in your case, contact an experienced defense lawyer at our office in Greenville.

Mere possession of a fake ID is now a crime in North Carolina

Until recently, the prosecution needed to prove that improper identification was used in an actual attempt to buy alcohol or enter age-restricted premises. Now, simple possession of a fake ID is itself a criminal offense. If you’re caught with a false or altered identification card, or in possession of someone else’s genuine ID, you could face criminal charges.

The worst thing you can do is pay the fine right away without the advice of an experienced lawyer — payment of the fine amounts to a guilty plea and conviction, and you will have a very hard time keeping future employers or licensing authorities from finding out about it later on.

Greenville defense attorney Matt Davenport works with prosecutors to find ways to protect his clients from the consequences of a criminal conviction. Especially for first offenders, he can usually present your situation in such a way that you can avoid the stigma of a criminal record.

Conviction of fake ID charges will cost you your driver’s license

An immediate practical consideration in fake ID cases is the mandatory loss of your driver’s license, without any ability to get a hardship or restricted driving privilege. Protecting your right to drive is just as important to us as keeping your record clean of criminal convictions. Our experience with the resolution of fake ID charges both in discussions with the prosecution and when necessary at trial can give you an important advantage.

To learn more about our ability to represent your interests effectively in fake ID cases, contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer at the Law Office of Matthew J. Davenport in Greenville.