San Diego Criminal Lawyers Blog
According to police, a woman in North Miami Beach, Florida was arrested at a nightclub and was using someone else’s Driver’s license to cheat the system. On the night of April 17th, the suspect was allegedly being disruptive and even pushed bouncers at the G5ive club. She also allegedly pushed an officer when police arrive at the scene. When she was taken into custody, she gave a fake driver’s license with the name and address of a woman who lives in Los Angeles, California. She was fingerprinted, but the fingerprints would only confirm her identity if she had a prior criminal history.
As a result, this woman has since paid bail and left the area under the California woman’s name. She also did not show up on her court date, which resulted in a letter being sent to the California address. The true victim in this case called the police and stated she has never even been to Miami.
Prosecutors said she fooled everyone with the fake driver’s license. In this case, officials are asking for the public’s help in identifying her. Unless this is cleared up, the victim of the identity theft will now have to carry a letter with her at all times in case she is ever stopped by authorities to prove that she has never in fact committed a crime.
It is a Crime to Use a Fake Driver’s License or ID
Under California Penal Code § 470(b), it is a crime (either a misdemeanor or felony) to display or possess any fake ID with the intent to commit a forgery or fraud. The legal definition of displaying a fake ID also consists of the following elements:
- You possessed/displayed a government issued ID card such as driver’s license, social security card, or passport;
- That ID card was altered, counterfeited, reproduced, or forged;
- Your knew it was a fake ID.
Specifically, teenage minors under the age of 18 who are caught with a fake ID face a fine of $250 and 24-32 hours of community service and a one-year suspension of their driver’s license. Continue reading