UConn Second-Degree Fake ID Forgery Lawyer
Under Connecticut’s strict laws, merely possessing certain types of forged documents is a felony offense, even if there is no attempt to use the document. Those documents include not only financial instruments such as checks but also documents created by governments, such as identification cards and driver’s licenses.
If a student is charged with a forgery or fake ID at UConn they should contact a skilled student defense attorney who can immediately request discovery from the State, to review the police report and build a defense against the charges. A UConn second-degree fake ID forgery lawyer can also help prepare a UConn student for any disciplinary proceedings at UConn.
What is the Definition of Forgery in Connecticut?
The state of Connecticut has three separate criminal forgery statutes. Under Connecticut General Statutes §53a-138, forgery occurs anytime a person falsely makes, completes or alters a written instrument, or issues or possesses any written instrument which he knows to be forged.
Forgery in the first and second degrees are felony offenses, while forgery in the third degree is a misdemeanor. All levels of this crime are punishable by a substantial term of imprisonment and heavy fines. The most common forgery charge seen in Connecticut is forgery in the second degree, which occurs any time a person possessed a forged government ID (such as a driver’s license).
What Forged Documents Can Lead to Felony Forgery in the Second Degree?
Under C.G.S. § 53a-139, second degree forgery is occurs when someone creates, finishes, alters, issues, or possesses a known forged document. These documents include anything that:
- Creates, transfers, terminates, or somehow affects a legal right, such as a will, deed, contract, or commercial instrument,
- Is a written instrument issued by a public office or government agency such as a driver’s license or passport, or
- Is a doctor’s prescription for medication available by prescription only.
What are the Penalties for Possession of a Fake ID in UConn?
Possession of a fake ID at UConn can be a Felony or Misdemeanor, depending on the form of the identification. If a student is in possession of a fake driver’s license, or any fake identification that mimics a government-issued ID, they will be charged with a Class D Felony. Class D Felonies are punishable by up to five years in prison and a permanent felony conviction. In less serious cases a UConn student can be charged with a Class B Misdemeanor, when they possess a fake ID that does not mimic a government document – this is a rare occurrence. Class B Misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months in prison and a permanent criminal record.
What are Defenses to Second Degree Forgery in Connecticut?
In order for a person to be convicted of second degree forgery in Connecticut, the prosecution must prove that a defendant had actual knowledge the documents were fake, or had the intention to deceive another with the use of the documents. One common defense to this charge is a lack of knowledge about the falsity of the document, or a lack of intent to use the documents to deceive another person.
Any attorney who specializes in felony forgery in the second-degree cases at UCONN will examine your case and determine if there are any applicable defenses to get your charges dismissed.