Areas of Practice
Fake ID laws cover a range of conduct:
- Making or selling false documents
- Altering legitimate documents
- Purchasing false documents, using them or possessing them.
Penalties for Possession of a Fake ID
Here are some examples of penalties for possession of a fake ID in Michigan:
- Felony: Possession of a fake ID with the intent to commit a felony punishable by 10 years or more in prison is a felony in and of itself, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.
- Felony: Possession with the intent to commit a felony punishable by less than 10 years in prison or a misdemeanor punishable by six months or more in prison is itself a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
- Misdemeanor: Possession with the intent to commit a misdemeanor punishable by less than six months is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.
Basically, if the crime you intended to commit with the fake ID is illegal – is punishable by prison or jail time, then simple possession of a fake ID during that crime or attempt to commit that crime is also punishable with prison time.
Additionally, possession of two or more fake IDs, possession with intent to sell, or selling are all felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Possession of 1 fake ID is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.
Additional Penalties
Stealing the ID of another or using a stolen ID is punishable by 1 year in jail.
Using a fake ID to purchase alcohol is punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or $100 in fines and you would be eligible to be charged with being a minor in possession of alcohol as well.