Have you been charged with possessing a fake ID in Cincinnati, Ohio? A conviction could follow you for years and affect everything from your education to your career. However, you still have time to fight back with help from an experienced Cincinnati fake ID defense attorney at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Our award-winning criminal defense law firm has over 100 years of combined experience, and our legal team includes former law enforcement officers and prosecutors. That background gives us a unique understanding of how the other side builds its case and a meaningful advantage as your case proceeds.
Call our law office today at (513) 333-0014 for a free consultation.
Table of Contents
How Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help if You Were Charged With a Fake ID Offense in Cincinnati, Ohio
The prosecution doesn’t need much to move forward with a fake ID case. However, the truth of the matter is that you’re presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Hiring a qualified Cincinnati college student defense attorney is the best way to protect your rights and set yourself up for a successful outcome.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers brings a distinct perspective to these cases that other law offices simply can’t match.
When you hire us, we can:
- Review the circumstances of your arrest and how the fake ID was discovered
- Determine whether your constitutional rights were violated at any point
- Examine the evidence the prosecution plans to use against you
- File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Negotiate with prosecutors to have your charges dismissed if possible
- Represent you at all hearings and at trial if your case goes that far
The state pays attention when our Cincinnati criminal defense lawyers step into the courtroom. Contact our law office in Cincinnati, OH, today to get started with a free case review.
Ohio’s Fake ID Laws
Under ORC 2305.46, it is illegal to possess or use an identification card that contains false information. This statute covers a range of conduct, from using someone else’s driver’s license to carrying a manufactured fake.
Additionally, under ORC 4301.633, it is illegal for someone under 21 to use a fake ID or someone else’s identification to purchase alcohol. This is also one of the most common scenarios that leads to fake ID charges in Cincinnati.
What Are the Potential Penalties for a Fake ID Conviction in Cincinnati?
The consequences of a fake ID conviction depend on the nature of the charge and whether additional offenses are involved.
By default, a charge under ORC 4301.633 for using a fake ID to buy alcohol is typically a first-degree misdemeanor.
If convicted, you could face:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- A driver’s license suspension
- A criminal record that shows up on background checks
If the charge falls under ORC 2305.46, it will usually be assessed as a third-degree misdemeanor instead. The penalties for this offense at a baseline level are up to 60 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500.
Collateral Consequences
Beyond what the court hands down, a fake ID conviction can cause problems that stick with you long after your sentence is complete.
Some of the most common collateral consequences include:
- Difficulty getting accepted to graduate programs
- Loss of scholarships and student financial aid
- Trouble passing employment background checks
- Professional licensing complications
- A lasting criminal record
For younger defendants especially, the long-term effects of a conviction can be far more damaging than the legal penalties themselves.
What Defenses Can I Raise Against Fake ID Charges in Ohio?
Every case is different, but there are several defense strategies that may apply to your situation. Our student defense attorneys will evaluate the facts and determine which approach gives you the strongest chance at a favorable outcome.
Some possible defenses to fake ID charges in Cincinnati include:
- You did not knowingly possess or use a fake identification.
- The ID was never actually used to purchase alcohol or commit fraud.
- Law enforcement violated your rights during the stop or arrest.
- The evidence against you was obtained through an illegal search.
- There is a lack of sufficient evidence to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Some of these defenses are considered “affirmative defenses,” meaning you may need to present supporting evidence. We can walk you through what that looks like and help you prepare accordingly.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Cincinnati Fake ID Defense Attorney
Fake ID charges in Cincinnati might seem minor on the surface, but the reality is that a conviction can have lasting consequences. You have the right to defend yourself, however, and doing so with the right legal team behind you can make all the difference.
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, our team has over 100 years of combined experience, along with firsthand knowledge of how the prosecution operates. Contact our Cincinnati fake ID defense attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and learn about your best course of action.
