Few would debate that going to bars is a standard part of the average college student’s routine, regardless of age. Visiting the standard Thursday night spot is just as common as attending your scheduled Thursday afternoon class.
It is so routine that many who use false identification cards often forget about the risks that are involved. This article is by no means an attempt to redirect your moral compass, but it is important to be informed when it comes to the law.
One of the reasons that using fake IDs is so commons is that they are relatively easy to obtain. A simple Google search for the phrase “fake ID” will spit out millions of results. And when not going to bars can feel like missing out on the college social experience, it’s easy to be tempted to break the law.
An anonymous junior who chooses to use a fake ID explains just that. “I’m over a year younger than all of my roommates and friends,” she says. “So while they’re all turning 21 and going to bars on the weekends, I could either stay at home alone or risk getting in trouble.”
North Carolina treats the use of a fake ID as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstance. A fake ID that includes your picture and information with an altered date of birth is considered a misdemeanor. The use or possession of an actual ID that belongs to another person is a felony.
You do not need to be buying alcohol or attempting to get into a bar to face criminal charges: Possession of a fake ID is a crime in itself. It is also a misdemeanor in North Carolina for anyone to lend his or her ID to another person. Although the consequences are daunting and include potential jail time, many think that the benefits are greater.
A second anonymous junior says, “Getting in trouble doesn’t seem to be a real threat. The risk is worth the potential for a good time.”
Underage drinkers are not the only ones at risk. Bars also face legal consequences for admitting underage guests.
“The bar’s biggest concern is the ALE. Every underage drinking ticket is a significant fine to the bar,” says LB Joel, a UNC junior and bouncer at La Residence and Pulse Nightclub.
Joel says that he frequently encounters fake IDs. Experienced bouncers recognize almost every fake ID that people try to use. But, if they turn away everyone with a fake ID, the bar would lose a lot of money.
“Honestly, I feel better about taking a boy’s ID than a girl’s. I’ll normally turn them away first, and if they try to argue I’ll think about taking it,” Joel said.
Regardless of your opinion about the drinking age, it doesn’t seem that it will be changing anytime soon. Choosing whether or not to use a fake ID is a dilemma that could potentially result in major consequences. That being said, many get away with sporting an alter ego and only have a large bar tab to be upset about in the end.
Photos:
McLovin (photo): http://sicknight.com/you-scored-a-fake-id-now-comes-the-hard-part-keeping-it/
Bar (photo):
http://www.mercurybareast.com/
Bouncer (photo):
http://www.nightclub.com/serve-responsibly/create-an-id-culture
Sources:
http://www.mattdavenportlaw.com/PracticeAreas/Fake-ID.asp
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CEkQ…