UConn Second-Degree Fake ID Forgery Arrests
Not every student at the University of Connecticut has a fake ID, but they are more common than many parents or school administrators like to realize. Fake identifications are easy to order online, which makes forgery fake ID charges prominent on college campuses.
What is the Definition of Forgery under Connecticut law?
Connecticut statutes define three different degrees of Forgery. Each degree of forgery is different in terms of the severity of associated punishments and is delineated by the type of documents that were forged.
Under Connecticut General Statute § 53a-138, first-degree forgery is the falsification of government securities or corporate stock documents. This is the most serious forgery offense possible in Connecticut and is a class C felony.
Forgery in the second degree applies to documents such as drug prescriptions, legal documents such as wills and public records, and written documents issued by the government, such as driver’s licenses, passports, and other forms of legal identification, as established in Connecticut General Statutes §53a-139. Fake IDs fall under forgery in the second degree. This charge is a class D felony in Connecticut.
What are the Penalties for Forgery?
In Connecticut, first-degree forgery is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine and up to 3 years probation. Second-degree forgery is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, up to a $5,000 fine and up to 3 years probation.
Why Are Fake IDs Treated as Felonies in Connecticut?
When students obtain fake IDs, they are typically looking for identification that would be accepted at most retail establishments, restaurants, and bars, such as a driver’s license. A driver’s license is normally issued by the government, so acting as a government entity by creating fake copies of official documents is a serious felony offense in Connecticut.
One major concern of lawmakers is that fake forms of identification can be used by criminals, including those trying to enter the country illegally. This is just one rationale for strict prohibitions against creating, using, and possessing fake IDs.
Can UCONN Forgery Charges be Dismissed?
Yes. Top UCONN attorneys know the best defenses to combat Connecticut’s stringent forgery charges. In every Connecticut forgery case, the prosecution must prove that a defendant acted with “intent to defraud, deceive, or injure another” when creating, using, or possessing a fake ID or other documents, and that the defendant knew the document is forged.
Even if the prosecution is able to prove the essential elements of forgery, a top attorney will know how to get your charges dismissed using the Pretrial Accelerated Rehabilitation Program (“AR”).
Call an Experienced UCONN Forgery Fake ID Attorney Today
Although the use of fake IDs may seem common, it is important to realize that an arrest involving fake identification can result in a felony criminal conviction for forgery in the second degree.
A top local lawyer could advise you about how to protect your rights and defend against your charges. Take action now to secure your future—call today to schedule a consultation.