Driver’s license fraud is a serious offense in the state of Florida. It can refer to a number of things, including: applying for and obtaining a state driver’s license using another person’s name or identity or using another person’s physical driver’s license to drive.
It is considered fraud if you also do any of the following: obtaining alcohol or performing any other ID-requiring action; or using counterfeit identification documents (such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or immigration card) to obtain a state license.
Driver’s license fraud is an offense that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) takes very seriously. The DHSMV has strict rules for obtaining a state driver’s license, requiring that licensees prove their identity, state residency, national citizenship and more. DHSMV trains its staff to recognize fraudulent identification documents and has a team of analysts that investigates cases of suspected fraud.
In addition, while distributing and having fake IDs is a crime, this is not considered driver’s license fraud, until it can be proven that counterfeit documents or the identifying documents of other people were used to create or obtain them.
If you are being charged with driver’s license fraud, it’s important to seek legal help immediately. Fraud can result in serious punishments, fines and jail time if convicted. Contact the Miami criminal defense law firm Falk & Ross today.
Punishments for Driver’s License Fraud
In the state of Florida, driver’s license fraud can mean either a misdemeanor or felony charge for the perpetrator. If you use or obtain a driver’s license on which the date of birth has been altered, this constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor. All other forms of driver’s license fraud, such as using counterfeit identification documents to apply for a license, will get you a third-degree felony charge.
A charge of felony in the third degree is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and jail time of up to 5 years. A felony also may affect your ability to obtain a job, as it must be reported in employment applications and is viewable in background checks. In addition to fines and jail time, the driver’s license of the offender will be immediately revoked and suspended.
Legal Defenses for Driver’s License Fraud
If you’ve been charged with driver’s license fraud, it’s important to get legal help as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help gather evidence and fight for your rights in court.
There are a number of defenses an attorney may use to ensure you are not convicted of driver’s license fraud, including:
- there was no intention to commit fraud;
- you were not aware that the driver’s license was fraudulent; and
- the fraudulent license didn’t belong to you or was in another’s possession.
If you were accused of driver’s license fraud, you should enlist the help of a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call 877-663-5110 or 305-741-6997 today to discuss your case with an attorney at Falk & Ross, Miami criminal defense law firm.