Most students don’t realize that in the State of Florida:

- possessing a fake ID is a FELONY

- making a fake ID is a FELONY

If you are caught in either situation, the consequences can last a lifetime.  Is it worth the risk?

The LAW

Florida Statue states that it is unlawful for anyone to knowingly possess or display any blank, forged, stolen, fictitious, counterfeit, or otherwise unlawfully issued driver’s license or identification card.  Producing or attempting to produce any form of false identification is even more serious.  It does not matter which State’s identification your false identification is designed to imitate.  It does not matter if your 21 year old friend let you borrow his or hers.  It does not matter if you just changed the birth date on your legally issued driver’s license.  You will be arrested and charged accordingly.  In addition, University of Miami Student Code (policy B.27) stipulates that possessing, displaying, or producing fake IDs is an equally serious University violation.

The Punishment

If you are arrested and convicted of possessing and/ or producing a fake ID, there are several likely results from both the State of Florida and the University of Miami.  However, the severity of each sentence will depend upon the specific situation.  Aside from a permanent criminal record, you can be sentenced to pay a cash fine up to $10,000.00, serve an imprisonment sentence up to 15 years, and have your driving privileges revoked up to one year.  In addition, you are subject to a wide range of sanctions through the University Judicial System.

The Message

Possessing, displaying, and/ or producing false identification is extremely serious.  The consequences of a criminal record last a lifetime and almost always have a negative effect when it comes to applying for any job, to any graduate school, or for just about anything else.  Basically, a felony record may make your college degree worthless.

Think about it…

This may be the only warning you get!