Missouri Fake Id Charges
2023-05-18 2023-05-18 12:53Missouri Fake Id Charges
Missouri Fake Id Charges
Missouri Fake ID Charges: Understanding the Consequences
Fake IDs, also known as false identification, have been used for years by people to gain access to services like alcohol, tobacco, and bars. These IDs are used by people who are not legally allowed to access such services due to their age, and thus use fake IDs to do so. However, the use of fake IDs is illegal in the state of Missouri, and the consequences of getting caught with one can be severe.
In this article, we will examine the Missouri fake ID charges, the penalties, the consequences of getting caught, and how to avoid such charges.
Missouri Fake ID Charges and Penalties
In Missouri, the use of false identification is considered a criminal offense. A person caught with a fake ID in Missouri can face penalties ranging from fines to jail time. The severity of the punishment depends on the offense committed. Some of the Missouri fake ID charges and their penalties are as follows.
– Possession of a Fake ID: A person caught in possession of a fake ID in Missouri can face a Class B Misdemeanor charge. This charge can result in up to six months in jail and/or up to a $500 fine.
– Distribution of a Fake ID: Those caught distributing fake IDs in Missouri can face a Class A Misdemeanor charge. This charge can result in up to one year in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine.
– Possession of a Forged Instrument: A person caught with a forged instrument in Missouri can face a Class D Felony charge. This charge can result in up to seven years in jail and/or up to a $10,000 fine.
The above charges and their penalties apply not only to the use of fake IDs but also to other forms of forged instruments such as counterfeit money.
Consequences of Getting Caught
The consequences of getting caught with a fake ID in Missouri can be far-reaching and severe. Some of the immediate consequences include facing criminal charges, getting arrested, and time in jail or paying hefty fines. Apart from these, there are long-term consequences that can affect an individual’s life beyond a criminal record. These consequences include:
– Trouble getting a job: Having a criminal record can make it hard for one to find employment. Employers may refuse to hire individuals with a criminal record because of concerns over security, trustworthiness, or liability.
– Damage to reputation: A criminal record can damage an individual’s reputation, particularly if the charge is for a serious offense like possession of a fake ID.
– Difficulty renting a property: Landlords and property management companies can discriminate against individuals with a criminal record, making it challenging to secure housing, which is vital for independence.
– Difficulty obtaining loans: Lenders may not approve a loan application from someone with a criminal record, or they may charge higher interest rates due to their perceived risk.
– Loss of rights: A criminal record can lead to the loss of certain rights such as voting rights, the right to own a firearm, and the right to own or drive a vehicle.
How to Avoid Getting Caught
The best way to avoid getting caught with a fake ID in Missouri is not to use one. However, suppose you must use one for any reason. In that case, there are ways to reduce the chance of getting caught and facing the consequences associated with fake IDs.
– Choose a high-quality fake ID: The higher the quality of the fake ID, the more challenging it is for law enforcement to identify it as a fake. However, this is not foolproof, and it’s essential to remember that getting caught, even with a high-quality fake ID, can still lead to significant consequences.
– Be mindful of the environment: Using a fake ID in an environment that law enforcement patrols frequently, or where it’s common knowledge that fake IDs are used is a recipe for getting caught. It’s essential to exercise caution and only use a fake ID in places where the chance of getting caught is low.
– Be confident while using your fake ID: When using a fake ID, it’s important to act natural and confident, as law enforcement may pick up on nervousness or hesitation, which may lead them to ask more questions or suspect the ID’s validity.
Conclusion
The use of fake IDs is illegal in Missouri, and those caught with fake IDs can face significant consequences and penalties. The best way to avoid getting caught is not to use a fake ID. However, if you must use one, choosing a high-quality fake ID, being mindful of the environment, and acting natural and confident can reduce the chance of getting caught. Nonetheless, there are still consequences, even if you reduce the chances of getting caught, so avoiding getting caught entirely is and will always be the best choice.
