For many minors, the temptation to participate in activities reserved for adults can be too much. Specifically, many college students under the legal drinking age of twenty-one (21) years, but they want to attend social events and gatherings where alcohol will be served.
In order to purchase alcohol or enter adult establishments, some young people will obtain a false identification card or driver’s license which doesn’t list their actual date of birth. Use of a fictitious license is a criminal offense under Texas statute §521.453 and comes with consequences that can last a lifetime.
If you or someone you know was charged with possession of a fictitious license, it is in your best interest to contact a criminal defense attorney in Austin, TX, as soon as possible.
Attorney for Possession of a Fictitious License in Travis County, Texas
For college students, social events are a large part of the experience. Many young students will not reach the legal drinking age for years and grow impatient with the wait. If you were charged with possession of a fictitious license which falsely represents you as twenty-one (21) years or older, you could be facing consequences which could affect your education.
If you have committed this type of offense and live in Austin, Pflugerville, Lakeway, Westlake Hills, or Travis County, call The Law Office of Kevin Bennett at (512) 476-4626.
Criminal defense attorney, Kevin Bennett has years of experience defending clients like you from these types of offenses. Whether you are a university student or the parent of a high school student who has made this mistake, Kevin Bennett is equipped to take on your case.
Located in Travis County, The Law Office of Kevin Bennett accepts clients charged with offenses throughout Austin.
What Qualifies as a Fictitious License under §521.453
Texas Statute §521.453 states that an individual commits an offense when the following is true:
- The person is less than twenty-one (21) years old;
- Possesses a document deceptively similar to a driver’s license or identification certificate;
- With the intent to represent him or herself as twenty-one (21) years or older; and
- The document does not have a display stating, “Not a Government Document” printed clearly and diagonally on the front and back of the document in solid red capital letters at minimum one-quarter of an inch in height.
A document is considered deceptively similar to an identification certificate or driver’s license when a reasonable person would assume that the document was legally issued by an agency of the state, another state, the department, or the United States.
An individual found to be in violation of this state is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $500, and/or in the case of counties with community service programs, a maximum of twelve (12) hours of community service.
Additional Resources
Juvenile Court in Travis County, TX – Visit the Juvenile Court page of the Travis County website for more information on criminal charges against minor individuals. This website provides contact information for various court locations. Also, find more information on probation services and other related services.
Travis County Sheriff’s Office on Substance Abuse and Addiction – Visit the Substance Abuse page of the Travis County Sheriff website for more information on treatment for addiction to various substances. This website provides resources on treatment facilities to combat addiction. Also, find more information on symptoms to look for indicating addiction.
Find a Lawyer for Possession of a Fictitious License in Austin, Texas
If you are a student at UT Austin, Austin Community College, or you are the parent of a high school student, charges for a fictitious license are a serious problem. Having a criminal offense on your record can affect your education and your ability to obtain employment.
If you live in Travis County or Austin and were charged with possession of a fictitious license, call (512) 476-4626 to schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney at The Law Office of Kevin Bennett . Our offices are located in the heart of Austin, Texas. Kevin Bennett also represents clients throughout the surrounding areas including Lakeway, Bee Caves, Pflugerville, and Westlake Hills.
This article was last updated on Friday, September 15, 2017.
