Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States with an area of just 1,214 square miles. This quaint state is known for its stunning beaches, historic structures, and small-town charm. However, for college students, Rhode Island has a lot more to offer than just scenic landscapes and breathtaking beaches. It’s also a prime destination for nightlife, music, and parties. Unfortunately, with age restrictions limiting access to many forms of entertainment, college students may find themselves at a disadvantage. This is where a fake ID comes in.

A fake ID is a document that looks like a government-issued identification card, but it is forged, altered, or stolen. It is often used to gain access to age-restricted venues such as bars and clubs, as well as to purchase alcohol and tobacco products. In Rhode Island, possession or use of a fake ID is considered a crime. Those caught with a fake ID can be charged with a misdemeanor offense, which carries penalties that can range from fines to potential jail time.

Yet many college students still choose to use fake IDs. With the limited availability of legitimate identification cards for young college students, a fake ID seems like an easy option to gain access to parties or drinks. While the risks are high, many college students are willing to take the gamble.

Types of Fake IDs Used in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has been known to be a state with strong security on its identification cards. The current design of the Rhode Island driver’s licenses and non-driver identification cards was introduced in mid-2016. Among the security features of the identification cards include a laser-engraved Ghost Image that is visible only under specific lighting. Likewise, the State of Rhode Island also has a network of agencies that cross-reference and verify personal identification information.

Despite these measures, experts estimate that at least 2 to 5% of all identification cards used in Rhode Island are fake IDs. These fake identification cards come in many forms, but they are mostly duplicates or altered versions of real identification cards belonging to other people. The most common types of fake IDs in Rhode Island include:

Out-of-State Identification Cards and Licenses

Many college students opt to obtain out-of-state identification cards and licenses to avoid detection in Rhode Island. Most of these fake IDs resemble the legitimate cards of out-of-state residents. With the help of online tutorials, fake ID creators can use sophisticated software to replicate the identification cards of other states.

Altered IDs

This type of fake ID is a real identification card that has been altered to change the date of birth or photo of the original cardholder. These fake IDs are often quickly caught by detecting the alterations.

Stolen IDs

Fake IDs that use a stolen identity are typically more challenging to detect. A person using a stolen ID is typically able to avoid detection by law enforcement by looking like the actual person on the identification card. This is one of the primary reasons why IDs should always be kept safe and protected.

Social engineering

This type of fake id creation is a relatively new method. It is created by convincing a genuine person or representative to create the fake ID without their knowledge. It is done primarily through phone or internet communication. Yet, recent cases are proof that this fake id method is becoming rampant.

Consequences of Using a Fake ID

Rhode Island has some of the highest fines for individuals caught using a fake ID. In addition to a high monetary cost, a misdemeanor offense can also show up on an individual’s criminal record, which can limit employment opportunities or even residency rights for foreign students. To understand the penalties associated with using a fake ID in Rhode Island, it’s best to describe different scenarios.

First-time Offenders

For first-time offenders, the consequences of using a fake ID can range from a fine of around $250 to a maximum of $500 and possible community service. There can also be additional penalties which include jail time for up to one year. The fines in Rhode Island are particularly harsh and are higher than in many other states. Likewise, some solicitors of fake IDs usually insist on cross-state usages since the consequences are lighter in some non-neighboring states.

Repeat Offenders

For repeat offenders, the penalties are much harsher. If caught using a fake ID more than once, offenders may face a higher fine, longer jail time, community service, and other repercussions. For instance, in Rhode Island, if a person is found to have used a fake ID three times, he or she may lose the driving license or non-driver identification card for three months.

Penalties for Distributors

Fake ID distributors are those who offer or sell fake identification cards to others. They face much more severe penalties than those caught with a fake ID. Distributors generally face felony charges for manufacturing fake IDs. This charge carries fines of up to $5,000. They may face extensive jail time.

Getting Caught with a Fake ID

Getting caught with a fake ID in Rhode Island can be embarrassing and challenging for college students. In most cases, they face significant legal, financial, and social consequences. Individuals who use fake IDs to get into bars, clubs or drive while under the influence, put themselves and others at risk, making fake IDs a common target for law enforcement.

Rhode Island Law Enforcement has implemented stringent measures to help detect and prevent the use of fake IDs throughout the state. Their efforts have been successful, as data reveals that the number of fake IDs confiscated in Rhode Island has increased in recent years.

Most times, it is not in your best interest to fight against the charges if you have been caught with a fake ID. Usually, the best course of action is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can guide you through the process and help navigate the legal system.

The wait for your case to be heard in court can be a long and cumbersome process, and the penalties can be severe. If you avoid detection while using your fake ID, it’s essential to have a plan to not only stay under the radar but also to not get into any risky or dangerous situations.

Conclusion

Using a fake ID in Rhode Island can seem like a quick way to access parties. But the consequences can be far-reaching and can lead to significant legal, financial, and social problems. The state of Rhode Island has a solid system of agencies to detect and prevent the use of fake IDs, including confiscation of these IDs.

While the penalties for first-time offenders may seem manageable, the costs and consequences of using a fake ID far outweigh the short-term benefits of gaining access to age-restricted venues. When detected, offenders face fines, imprisonment, community service, and the potential for a criminal record.

To avoid these penalties, it is best to avoid using fake IDs altogether. Besides, there are many legal ways that college students can have fun and enjoy their time in Rhode Island without putting themselves and others at risk.