Massachusetts Fake ID Defense Lawyer
It happens all the time in Massachusetts. A college student or an out-of-state high school student gets his or her hands on a fake ID so that they can buy alcohol or get into a local night club. Most haven't been told that undercover Massachusetts police officers are staffing themselves up - especially in college towns like Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Amherst, and Northampton - to find these students and charge them with violating the Massachusetts Fake ID law.
Massachusetts G.L. c 138 §34B provides in part that "any person who falsely makes, steals, alters, forges or counterfeits - or procures or assists another in procuring - a learner's permit, a license to operate motor vehicles, Registry of Motor Vehicles identification card, or registration card or inspection sticker" shall have their license suspended for one year. Violate the law, and now you have to deal with the Registry of Motor Vehicles as well.
Additionally, upon conviction the wrongdoer shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than three months.
Don't Make These Two Common Mistakes…
- Dealing with law enforcement on your own, and not seeking help from a Fake ID Attorney: Representing yourself can be a big mistake. As an example, our lawyers know that the process can be stopped at an initial hearing by agreeing to a fine, community service, and possibly even alcohol education programs, if the fact pattern alleges that you were involved in some way with purchasing alcohol. Isn't that better than suffering stricter penalties similar to those above?
- Agreeing to pay the fine, just walking out of court and feeling victorious because your parents didn't find out about it: Once the RMV hears about it, you'll have your license suspended for 180 days - try explaining that one!
Most Fake ID Charges
Begin at Show Cause Hearings
Although informal, a Show Cause Hearing is an important stage in the criminal law process. Arguments presented at this stage result in the clerk magistrate either issuing a complaint or dismissing the charges against you for lack of probable cause.
Our Fake ID Defense Attorneys and Show Cause Hearing Attorneys have been successful in getting clerks to not issue a complaint even when there is probable cause found. If the case is dismissed at this stage, the charges will never be placed on your record and you will not face further prosecution for this charge.
It is important to have a lawyer who has experience handling Show Cause Hearings. The benefit of hiring a lawyer at this stage far outweighs the small expense of hiring an attorney. Even if your charges are not dropped, at a minimum, your attorney will have learned the evidence and have had the opportunity to begin preparing an effective defense strategy on your behalf.
Contact Us For a FREE Consultation!
The Fake ID Attorneys from The Massachusetts Criminal Defense Group represent juveniles, college students, and adults who have been accused of using a Fake ID. Don't mess with your future. We know how to overcome tough issues, and have the credibility to help negotiate favorable outcomes with prosecutors and judges from all Massachusetts courts.
If you have been arrested, the first 24 hours are most important. This is not the time to shop around for the lowest price or to save money. For a no-obligation consultation, call us at (800) 461-6900 or contact us online. We meet with clients at night and over the weekends. Some people need the help of a friend or family member on legal fees and we can accommodate that need if everybody prefers this option.
Arrested After Hours?
Call Our Criminal Defense Attorneys 24/7 - (800) 461-6900
We understand that police don't wait until morning to take college students or those carrying Fake IDs in for questioning. We are available around the clock - every day!