Navigating the Legal Landscape: Fake IDs and Felony Charges Explained

Cyril Balatero on August 22, 2024

It is almost a teenage right of passage to use a fake ID to gain entrance to bars, gamble, or purchase nicotine or alcohol. Knowing that the Nevada legislature made having a fake ID for those purposes a misdemeanor. There are other scenarios, however, when you can be charged with a felony for offenses related to fake IDs in Nevada.

Is having a fake id a felony? - The Vegas Lawyer in Nevada

When Is Having a Fake ID a Felony in Nevada?

Nevada Revised Statutes 205.465 governs many criminal offenses related to fake IDs in Nevada. According to that statute, there are several ways related to fake IDs in which you could be charged with a felony, including:

  • Establishing a false identity: It is unlawful for a person to possess, sell, or transfer any document or personal identifying information for the purpose of establishing a false status, occupation, membership, license, or identity for himself or herself or any other person. Possession of such documents is a category E felony (the lowest felony category) in Nevada.
  • Sale or transfer of a fake ID:  The sale or transfer of a fake ID or documents used to establish a fake identification is charged as a category C felony in Nevada.
  • Possession of fake ID to commit certain crimes: Possession of fake identification or documents to commit any of the crimes listed in NRS 205.085 to 205.217, inclusive, 205.473 to 205.513, inclusive, or 205.610 to 205.810, inclusive (forgery and fraud offenses) is also a category C felony.
  • Sale or transfer of fake ID with aggravating factors: The sale or transfer of personal identifying information can be elevated to a category B felony if any of the following aggravating factors apply:
    • The identifying information is that of an older person or a vulnerable person.
    • The identifying information is that of five or more persons.
    • Someone suffered a financial loss or injury of $3,000 or more as a result of the violation.

Potential Penalties for Felony Fake ID Charges in Nevada

The potential penalties you face if convicted of a fake ID offense in Nevada will depend on the level of felony involved as follows:

  • Category E Felony: Punishment includes a potential term of imprisonment of one to four years and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
  • Category C Felony: The penalties for a category C felony in Nevada include a prison term of one to 10 years along with a potential fine of up to $10,000.
  • Category B Felony: Conviction of a category B felony in Nevada carries a potential term of imprisonment of up to 20 years and/or a fine of up to $100,000.

What Should I Do If I Was Charged with a Felony Fake ID Offense in Las Vegas?

If you were arrested and charged with a felony in relation to a fake ID in Las Vegas, consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney at The Vegas Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your next steps. Call us at 702-707-7000 or contact us online.