Addressing Accusations of I.D. Fraud in DuPage County
If you are accused of possessing a fake ID or a related offense in Illinois, it is important to take the charges seriously. Depending on the circumstances, you could be facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, which could come with significant penalties. Even if you are not convicted of ID fraud, the state has the authority to suspend or revoke your driver's license.
If you are facing criminal charges or loss of driving privileges because of an ID-related offense, it is important to have a skilled fraud investigation lawyer advocating for you. Your attorney can help you understand the charges against you and work to get the best possible outcome in your case.
ID Fraud in Illinois
There are a few different ways that you can be accused of possessing a fake ID in Illinois. The most common is using a fake ID to misrepresent your age, usually for the purpose of trying to buy alcohol or cigarettes. However, you can also be charged with possessing a fake ID if you have altered your real ID in any way, such as changing your birthdate or adding fake information. Additionally, you can be charged with this offense if you are caught with someone else's ID, even if it is not altered in any way.
In Illinois, using someone else’s ID, possessing a fictitious ID, and altering an ID are typically Class A misdemeanor offenses. If you are convicted of misdemeanor ID fraud, you could face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. However, if you are accused of using a fake ID to commit identity theft or another serious crime, you could be charged with a felony. It is also a felony offense to possess a fraudulent driver’s license or ID which was produced by a non-government party. Additionally, if you have been previously convicted of possessing a fake ID, you will be charged with a felony for any subsequent offenses.
The penalties for a fake ID conviction are significant, and individuals can face administrative consequences even if they avoid conviction. The Illinois Secretary of State can suspend or revoke your driver's license if you are accused of an I.D. fraud offense.
The penalty for a first offense is a 12-month suspension, and a second or subsequent offense is punished by driver's license revocation. Once your license is suspended or revoked, it is illegal for you to drive. Suspensions eventually end, but revocations are indefinite. To get your license back after it was revoked, you must attend a hearing with the Illinois Secretary of State and formally request reinstatement.
Contact Our Aurora ID Fraud Defense Lawyer
If you were accused of possessing a fake ID or another type of ID fraud, contact our Naperville license reinstatement lawyer. We understand the frustration and worry that comes with a driver's license suspension or revocation, and we will work diligently to get your driving privileges restored. Call Law Office of Patricia Magaña, LLC at 630-448-2001 today. Se Habla Español.
Source:
https://www2.illinois.gov/ilcc/Education/Documents/ILCC%20ID%20Guide.pdf