When it comes to fake IDs, Nevada treats this offense seriously. As such, it is illegal for any individual to possess, sell, or even transfer a document or personal identifying information for the purposes of establishing a false identity, status, membership, license, or occupation for any reason. Basically, if you have or are selling fake IDs, you are going to run into some legal troubles.

Here are some common fake ID scenarios:

• An undocumented alien using fake naturalization papers in order to secure work benefits that only legal immigrants should have access to
• An underage person using a fake ID to claim he or she is over the age of 21
• An individual selling or giving fake IDs to others
• A thief using a counterfeit card to access another individual’s money

Is Having a Fake ID a Felony?

If you have a fake ID and are arrested, whether you will be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor depends on the use of the fake ID. If you are using a fake ID to get alcohol or cigarettes or to gamble, you would be charged with a misdemeanor; however, using a fake ID to engage in credit card fraud, forgery or online fraud is a felony offense.

What Are the Penalties for Using or Selling a Fake ID?

If an individual possesses a fake ID in order to purchase or consume alcohol or cigarettes or to gamble, he or she would be charged with a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a maximum jail sentence of 6 months and fines of up to $1,000.

If a person uses a fake ID to engage in credit card fraud, forgery, or online fraud, this will be treated as a category C felony, which is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $1,000. Other offenses involving the possession of a fake ID will be treated as a category E felony, resulting in a maximum prison sentence of 4 years and a fine of up to $5,000.

Selling or giving away a fake ID to a minor for the purpose of allowing them to drink alcohol, buy cigarettes, or gamble is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum jail sentence of 364 days and fines of up to $2,000. Selling or giving away personal identifying information that belongs to an individual over the age of 60 or someone who is vulnerable is a category B felony and can result in a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and fines of up to $2,000. The same penalty can apply as a result of selling or giving away the personal information of 5 or more individuals, or selling or giving away personal information that causes another individual to suffer a financial loss or injury of $3,000.

Reno Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing charges regarding fake IDs, the Reno criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of Kenneth A. Stover is prepared to fight for your rights and help you secure the results you need in order to move forward with your life. It is our mission to help you walk away with a cleared name and, if possible, a clean slate. Do not hesitate to reach out to us today.

Call our office at (775) 502-1575 to schedule a free consultation.