Staying Real in Chapel Hill: What You Need to Know About Fake ID’s

Some people start the countdown months before.  When the day arrives many choose to celebrate it in style. Staying out all night, completing to-do lists and having fun with friends all across Chapel Hill.  Sometimes it seems like you will never be 21.

The urge to be 21 when you’re not can be overwhelming, especially for those who have friends over the legal limit. Black X’s on your hands aren’t the most attractive, especially the next morning in class after you’ve been scrubbing your hands for 10 minutes. 

But many in Chapel Hill are getting wristbands instead – and not because they are over 21, but because it has become more common for students, especially girls, to have a fake ID.

“I was somewhat nervous when I was getting up to the bouncer but I was with people who were using them too, which made me less nervous,” an anonymous female UNC-CH student said. “The ID wasn’t expired. So after that first time I used it I wasn’t nervous as much. It was fun, I didn’t get in trouble so I had a good time.”

And yes, going out with friends is fun, but if you make the decision to use a fake ID or have friends that do, you should know what could happen if you were to be caught.

Another student had a different experience. “I kind of knew it wasn’t going to work,” he said.  “The ID was expired and the bouncer started to question me and ask for another form of ID. The fact that I was a guy definitely played into his decision, I think.” 

But there are much worse things that could happen besides the bouncer simply taking away your ID.

In North Carolina it is illegal to simply possess false identification.  There is also a charge for “possession and intent to use” false identification. In the latter case it would have to be proven to a judge that the identification was used to purchase alcohol or was presented under false pretenses as your true identity.  Both of these are Class 1 Misdemeanors – the highest misdemeanor charge.  The first charge could result in you losing your license for up to one year.

It is also a Class 1 Misdemeanor to allow someone else to use your identification to purchase alcohol.  This charge could also lead to the DMV revoking your license.

A Class 1 Misdemeanor charge in North Carolina could result in a hefty fine at the discretion of the court or even up to 120 days in jail.  If you are charged with possession of a fake ID you will also be contacted by the Dean of Students to discuss your possible violation of the student alcohol policy. 

This isn’t to scare you, but to let you know that there are real consequences that could even impact your career here at Carolina.

So just remember to stay safe out there, girls!

Alternatives
East End Martini Bar– College Night on Tuesdays
The Library– 18 and up on Thursdays
Pulse– always 18 and up
Players– always 18 and up
 
Lindsay Lohan (photo):http://photos.posh24.com/p/921158/z/lindsay_lohan/lindsay_lohan_court.jpg
McLovin (photo): http://s1.hubimg.com/u/1278852_f520.jpg
Dance Floor (photo):http://www.clubpulse.net/vp/JS-Lib/CustomerSites/Common/view_larger.htm?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clubpulse.net%2F0_0_0_0_250_194_csupload_26480420_large.jpg%3Fu%3D348138220
Club Pulse (photo): http://www.clubpulse.net/vp/JS-Lib/CustomerSites/Common/view_larger.htm?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clubpulse.net%2F749_500_csupload_28780039.jpg%3Fu%3D1717380870