NYC Desk Appearance Ticket Attorneys

Forgery/Fake IDs (PL 170.20)

Click here to learn more about Desk Appearance Tickets, generally.

 

A very common Desk Appearance Ticket for young people is for possessing a fake ID, usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor under PL 170.20 (Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Third Degree). Our attorneys have handled so many of these cases successfully that we were quoted as experts in a New York Times article on the subject. Though most young people casually dismiss these charges as insignificant because they think that “everyone” has a fake ID, the truth is that these cases can result in permanent criminal records, serious immigration consequences, and permanent employment problems. 

 

Indeed, the maximum legal penalty for a conviction of this charge is one year in prison. One can also be sentenced to three years of probation. More typical results for these cases for first time offenders include non-criminal dispositions with community service. However, there a whole host of other potential consequences to these arrests and convictions - see at the bottom of the page for a more exhaustive list, and call us if any of those items may apply to you.  

 

Notably, if you are a non-citizen, a conviction for this crime can have serious negative consequences for you, including potential future inadmissibility or even present deportability. Some seemingly excellent dispositions may also jeopardize your ability to get or renew a visa.  Click here to learn more.  

 

If you are a FINRA-licensed broker, an arrest for this charge MUST be disclosed on your U4 form, and will have to remain there forever, as it is a crime involving theft. Certain types of routine dispositions on these cases can also make you ineligible to work for an FDIC-insured institution, as well. Click here to learn more.  

 

The potential penalties from this Desk Appearance Ticket:

Up to 1 year in jail.

Up to 3 years of probation.

Fines up to $2,000.

Community service.

Immigration consequences including deportation.

Employment problems.

Permanent career consequences for financial sector (FINRA), governmental, and other professional employees.