In Stamford, Norwalk, and across Connecticut, young people often feel pressure to fit in with friends, get into clubs, or buy alcohol before 21. It might seem harmless to flash a fake ID at the bar or liquor store, but the reality is this: using or even possessing a fake ID can lead to criminal charges that follow you long after the party ends.
I meet clients all the time—college students, interns, and young professionals—who are terrified after being stopped with a fake ID. They worry about their future, their jobs, and their parents finding out. If this happened to you, please understand: you are not alone, and with the right defense, one mistake does not have to define your life.
What Law Applies to Fake IDs in Connecticut?
Prosecutors typically use one or more of these statutes:
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Misrepresentation of Age to Procure Liquor — C.G.S. § 30-88a
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Possession of Alcohol by a Minor — C.G.S. § 30-89
What Actually Happens When You’re Caught
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The ID is confiscated.
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Police may issue a summons or arrest you.
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You’ll get a court date at Stamford Superior Court (123 Hoyt Street).
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Parents often learn about the case right away.
Why This Feels So Overwhelming
For many clients, this is their first and only arrest. They’re good students and hardworking kids who made a single bad choice. The shame can feel unbearable:
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“What if my parents find out?”
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“Will I get kicked out of school?”
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“Will this ruin my career?”
Courts know young people make mistakes. The focus is often on education and dismissal, not lifelong punishment.
Possible Penalties for Fake ID Cases
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C.G.S. § 30-88a: Up to $200 fine (first offense)
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C.G.S. § 30-89: $200–$500 fine, community service, possible DMV suspension
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C.G.S. § 53a-139: Class D felony, up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine
Defense Options for Fake ID Charges
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Diversionary Programs (Accelerated Rehabilitation Program)
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Negotiation with prosecutors for dismissal or reduction
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Challenging the Charge if facts don’t support felony-level prosecution
A Word of Understanding
If you’re reading this because you or your child was caught with a fake ID, you’re probably scared, embarrassed, and wondering what comes next. Please understand—this happens more often than you think. A fake ID charge does not mean your education, career, or future is over. With the right guidance, we can keep your record clean and help you move past this with lessons learned and no lasting damage.
A Compassionate Perspective
When you’re sitting at home after the arrest, replaying everything in your head, it’s easy to feel like your world is falling apart. You might feel ashamed, worried that this single moment of poor judgment will define who you are. But you need to hear this: you are more than your mistake.
I’ve represented countless young people in your shoes. Some were straight-A students. Some were hardworking interns at financial firms. Some were simply kids trying to feel a little older than they were. What they all had in common was this: they were terrified that one lapse in judgment would end their future.
The truth is, judges and prosecutors encounter these cases frequently. They know the difference between a dangerous criminal and a young person who made a one-time mistake. The system is often willing to give you another chance—but only if you handle this the right way.
Part of my job is to remind the court who you really are: a student, a son or daughter, a future professional with potential. Not just a name on a police report. Not just a charge number on a docket sheet.
And part of my job is also to remind you of that truth. In this moment, it can feel like everything is crashing down. But with the proper defense, this can be just a bump in the road—not the end of your story.
FAQs
1) Will I go to jail for having a fake ID in Connecticut?
Seldom for first-time offenders. Jail is unlikely, though fines and court appearances are common.
2) Can I get this charge dismissed?
Yes. Diversionary programs often result in dismissal if completed successfully.
3) Will my college find out?
Not always. Some schools require disclosure of criminal cases. Protecting your record is the best way to avoid future problems.
4) What if the police charge me with forgery?
Forgery in the Second Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-139) is very serious. An experienced lawyer can often argue that this is excessive for a student’s fake ID and negotiate it down.
5) Will my driver’s license be suspended?
Yes, if you’re under 21 and charged under C.G.S. § 30-89, DMV may suspend your license.
6) What if it’s my first time being in trouble?
Courts are very lenient toward first-time offenders. A dismissal through a program is likely.
7) Will this be on my permanent record?
If handled correctly, no. The goal is always dismissal and record erasure.
8) Do I need a lawyer for a fake ID case?
Yes. Even a minor mistake in court can leave a permanent mark on your record. A lawyer helps ensure the case is dismissed.
9) What if I were just holding a friend’s ID?
Possession alone can still lead to charges. However, this fact can be leveraged in negotiations to mitigate consequences.
10) How soon should I get help?
Immediately. Early intervention often means the difference between dismissal and a permanent record.
Student-Specific FAQs
Will my parents automatically be notified if I’m under 21?
In most cases, yes. If you’re under 18, parents are always notified. If you’re 18–20, your parents may still learn quickly, especially if you need help arranging bail or navigating court.
Can this affect my college financial aid or scholarships?
It can. Some schools require disclosure of criminal cases, and specific scholarships have strict conduct standards. The best protection is getting the charge dismissed through AR or another diversion program.
Will my school discipline me separately for the arrest?
Some colleges treat any arrest for a crime as a conduct code violation. If you’re in school, you may face both court and disciplinary hearings. A lawyer can help you coordinate both.
Can a fake ID arrest impact study abroad or internship opportunities?
Yes. Many programs and internships run background checks. Ensuring dismissal and erasure of the case is critical to protect those opportunities.
Should I tell my college about the case?
Not always. Each school has its own rules. Before disclosing anything, consult with your lawyer to avoid creating unnecessary problems.
A Note for Parents
If you’re a parent reading this, you may have just gotten one of the most stressful phone calls of your life: your child has been caught with a fake ID. The emotions can be overwhelming — anger, disappointment, fear for their future. Many parents tell me they feel like they failed somehow, or that this mistake will follow their child forever.
Please take a breath. One poor decision at 18, 19, or 20 does not erase all the hard work and promise your son or daughter has shown. Courts and prosecutors in Connecticut recognize that these are youthful mistakes, not the actions of hardened criminals. With the proper legal guidance, the vast majority of fake ID cases are resolved without a permanent record.
As a parent myself, I understand your instinct to protect your child. My role is to protect not only their legal rights but also their reputation, education, and future opportunities. I work closely with families to guide them through every step of the process — from the initial court appearance to applying for diversionary programs and ultimately
achieving a dismissal whenever possible.
The best way you can help your child now is to stay calm, get experienced legal help quickly, and focus on solutions rather than punishment. With the right plan, this can be a painful but temporary lesson — not a lifelong burden.
Call to Action
If you or your child were caught with a fake ID in Stamford, Norwalk, or anywhere in Connecticut, you don’t have to face this alone.
📞 Call (203) 357-5555 for a confidential consultation, or contact me online