Are you a college student in Maine who loves to party but is not yet of legal age to drink? Have you been denied entry to bars or liquor stores because you don’t have a valid ID? If so, you may be considering getting a fake ID. However, be warned that using a fake ID or producing one can result in serious consequences, including criminal charges. In this article, we will discuss Maine scannable fake ID charges and ways to avoid facing legal trouble.

Maine Laws on Fake IDs

Maine has strict laws when it comes to the use of fake IDs. Possessing or using a fake ID can result in civil and criminal charges. Under Maine law, a person can be charged with a civil violation for a first-time offense of using a fake ID to purchase alcohol. Civil penalties include fines of up to $500.

In addition to civil charges, the use of a fake ID can also lead to criminal charges. A person can be charged with a Class D crime for altering or falsifying a government-issued ID or attempting to produce a fake ID. The criminal penalties include up to one year in jail and fines of up to $2,000.

The state of Maine also employs a “zero-tolerance” policy when it comes to driving under the influence (DUI) for drivers under 21. This means that a driver under 21 who has any alcohol in their system can be charged with DUI. If a person under 21 uses a fake ID to purchase alcohol and then drives under the influence, they can face serious criminal charges including DUI and possession of a fake ID.

Maine Scannable Fake ID Charges

Maine law enforcement officials are aware of the prevalence of fake IDs and are trained to identify fake IDs. If you use a fake ID in Maine, there is a good chance you will be caught, charged and prosecuted. Law enforcement officials use various methods to identify fake IDs, including visually inspecting the ID, using black lights to verify watermarks and micro-printing, and scanning the barcode on the ID.

Scanning the barcode on the ID has become a common method for law enforcement officials to identify fake IDs. Many fake IDs fail to work when scanned, providing a clear indication that the ID is fake. Even if a fake ID has a barcode that works, the information on the barcode may not match the information on the front of the ID, leading to suspicion and further investigation by law enforcement officials.

In addition to the civil and criminal charges mentioned above, an individual using a fake ID in Maine can also face charges of forgery, identity theft, and fraud. These charges can result in even harsher penalties, including fines and jail time.

Ways to Avoid Maine Scannable Fake ID Charges

While the costs of a fake ID may seem small when compared to getting caught, it is important to understand the consequences of using a fake ID in Maine. Facing legal repercussions, losing your license, and paying large fines or serving jail time are not worth it. The best way to avoid Maine scannable fake ID charges is by not using a fake ID at all.

If you are under 21 and want to enjoy a night out with friends, consider alternative options like attending house parties or events that do not require an ID. Some bars and restaurants also offer mocktails or other non-alcoholic beverages.

Another option would be to wait until you are 21 years old to start drinking legally. While the wait may seem long, it is a small price to pay to avoid the potential legal consequences of using a fake ID.

Conclusion

Using a fake ID is not worth the potential legal consequences. Maine has strict laws when it comes to fake IDs, and a person caught using a fake ID can face civil and criminal charges. Even if the barcode on the ID works, there are many ways that law enforcement officials can identify a fake ID.

The best way to avoid Maine scannable fake ID charges is by not using a fake ID at all. Instead, consider alternative options for socializing, or wait until you are 21 years old to start drinking legally. Remember that the potential legal consequences of using a fake ID are not worth the cost.