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Possession of Fake Identification

If you or a loved one has been charged with possession of a fake driver's license or identification card, you should immediately contact Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney William Weinberg to defend you and keep you out of jail. Mr. Weinberg has represented countless individuals, including juveniles and minors who are caught in possession of fake IDs and fake driver's licenses. You should not take a fake ID or License charge lightly as a conviction carries a maximum jail sentence of one year in county jail. So, if you've been charged with this crime, you should immediately contact an experienced attorney to defend you. Schedule your free consultation with Mr. Weinberg by emailing us at bill@williamweinberg.com or by calling us at (949) 474-8008.

Possession of Fake Identification or Driver's License in Orange County, California

California Penal Code Section 470B PC makes it a crime for an individual to possess or use a fake driver's license or fake identification card. For the prosecution to convict an individual of this crime, it must show that (1) the defendant possessed a fake ID or Driver's License, (2) the ID or license possessed with the defendant was fake, forged, or altered, (3) the defendant knew that the license was fake, forged, or altered, and (4) the defendant had possession of the license, displayed the driver's license, or the defendant intended to use the ID or License to commit some form of fraud.

Examples of Possession of Fake Identification

The majority of cases that we have encountered usually involve a minor (someone under the age of 21), who purchases a fake ID or fake License to purchase alcohol or get into clubs or bars. As the minor shows his license to purchase alcohol, the person selling the alcohol suspects the individual of using a fake license and contacts the police. The police discover that the individual was using a fake license. In this situation, the minor can be charged with possession of fake identification under California Penal Code (CPC) Section 470B. For the prosecution to convict the individual, the license or fake ID need not be issued in the State of California, so long as the license or ID is fake.

Also, for example, if an undocumented worker comes to the State of California, and purchases a fake ID in order to obtain employment. If a police officer stops him and finds that he had a fake ID in his possession, he can be charged with possession of fake identification under CPC Section 470B. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, please contact Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer William Weinberg to represent you. Mr. Weinberg has extensive experience defending those who are caught in possession of fake identification cards and driver's licenses.

Penalties For Possession of Fake Identification

Possession of fake identification is a wobbler in Orange County, California, meaning the prosecution can charge the crime as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the defendant's criminal history and the circumstances surrounding the use of the fake identification. Most possession of fake identification charges are brought as a misdemeanor offense. If convicted of misdemeanor possession of fake identification, an individual faces a jail sentence of up to one year, as well as payment of heft court fees and fines that can easily exceed $1,000. If convicted of felony possession of fake identification, an individual faces a maximum of three years in California State Prison, as well as payment of a fine of up to $10,000.

Defense For Possession of Fake Identification

There are a variety of defenses that your attorney can use to defend you from a charge of possession of fake identification. This list is not an exhaustive list of all defenses, but rather includes some of the defenses that your attorney can use to defend you.

  • The defendant was not aware of the driver's license, or identification card was fake
  • The identification the defendant possessed was not fake
  • The defendant lacked the intent to use the fake identification for an illegal purpose

The defenses we just listed are difficult to make, nevertheless, if they apply to your case, rest assured that Mr. Weinberg will use them to defend you and keep you out of jail.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

If you or a loved one has been charged with possession of fake identification, such as a fake driver's license or fake identification card, you should immediately contact experienced Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney William Weinberg to defend you. Mr. Weinberg has extensive experience defending both adults and minors who have been charged with this crime. So, rest assured that your future is in great hands as Mr. Weinberg will do everything that he can to achieve the best possible results for you. Schedule your free consultation today by emailing us at bill@williamweinberg.com or by calling us at (949) 474-8008.


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He was open, honest and compassionate (qualities you don't always find in an attorney) and his credentials proved that he is more than qualified to handle this complicated case. JoAnn H.
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Not only did [my case] get resolved with great efficiency, [Mr. Weinberg and his team] were very open with me and kept the lines of communication flowing which I appreciated greatly. Ryan T.
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