It can be very common for an individual on a college campus to be allured by the prospect of appearing older than they truly are. The advantages to this, of course, are being able to purchase alcohol or consume alcohol in bars or other spaces where permitted. Students often obtain fake I.D.'s in an attempt to fit in or garner social prowess with their friends. While this type of behavior stems from a place of longing to belong, possessing and using these false documents is still an act that breaks the law. When this happens, a student's academic and professional futures may be in danger.
Common Situations Involving Student Fake I.D. Possession and Usage
Fake I.D. usage can occur in a number of ways on a college campus. Some common uses and instances involving fake I.D.'s on a college campus can include:
- Purchasing Alcohol: The most common reason for a student to possess a fake I.D. is for purchasing alcohol for either themselves or for a social event. Purchasing alcohol for individuals under the age of 21 is a crime in itself, and doing so with a fake I.D. can get a student into even more trouble.
- Sneaking Into Bars: Students with fake I.D.'s may try to get into the many nearby bars on a college campus. This can get them into trouble with local authorities as well as their university.
How Can Being Caught With a Fake I.D. Affect My Standing With my College?
A student that is caught with a fake I.D. can have a variety of consequences that they may potentially suffer. Under most circumstances, a student who attempts to buy liquor and has their I.D. rejected may simply have the document confiscated and disposed of by the store owner. An all too frequent sighting in liquor stores near college campuses is a "wall of shame" that bears fake I.D.'s students have attempted to use at the store. Similarly, bartenders or bouncers may do the same thing. Students can run into problems more often when they are found to be in possession by either local police or campus authorities. It is a crime to have a fake I.D. and a student may face criminal charges, depending on the jurisdiction. In addition to this, the student may face disciplinary actions from the university as well.
Nationwide Student Defense Attorney
Many colleges and universities have their own process for resolving issues with students who violate their code of conduct. These often involve brief hearings and debates of evidence. Sometimes, a student may face consequences from both the state and college authorities. Many times, local police and campus authorities work together, sharing evidence that will eventually be used against a student in legal and administrative proceedings. An attorney can help. Joseph D. Lento is a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience in defending students at college disciplinary hearings as well.
If you or your student is facing disciplinary actions or criminal charges for a fake I.D., or other crimes, contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today at 888-535-3686.
