What Should You Do if a Cop Thinks Your License is Fake?
There is no denying that people have been using fake forms of ID for years. Police officers have been cracking down on fake IDs recently, even to the point of suspecting that legitimate forms of identification are falsified. If you have been stopped by a cop who believes that your license is fake, it is important that you take certain steps to prevent further charges from being brought against you.
At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, our Nashville criminal defense lawyers believe that knowledge is power, allowing you to safeguard your rights. Below, we discuss what you should do if a cop suspects you have a fake license.
Call To Make Sure that a Police Officer Has Been Dispatched on Your Route
Unfortunately, as of late, there has been an increase in scammers who are impersonating cops. After seeing that a police vehicle has put its lights on, call 911 to confirm that a cop has been stationed on your route. You will want to confirm the officer’s identity before pulling over. The dispatcher can let you know if a real police officer is in your area. If not, then the dispatcher will give you instructions on how to proceed.
Pull Over and Remain Calm
Upon confirming the stop is legitimate, pull over. More than anything else, remain calm. The officer will likely ask you to present your license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Please provide these documents promptly. Losing your composure, which means different things to different people, will not help the situation. Do not raise your voice, cry, or argue with the officer. If you do not cooperate, then there is a greater chance of the situation escalating.
Do Not Answer Any Questions Without an Attorney Present
If the police officer begins to ask you questions, you do have the right to request that your attorney be present. You should politely decline to answer any questions posed by the officer since anything you say can be used against you in court. However, you do have the right to ask the officer why you were pulled over. It is best to ask this question after your documentation is provided. Common reasons for a traffic stop in Nashville include speeding, running a red light, failing to yield right-of-way, expired registration, or a burnt-out headlight.
Know What the Penalties Are Under the Law
It is important that you find out what the charge is against you to know what penalties you face. In Nashville, if you are found to be in possession of a false form of identification, you could be potentially charged under three separate offenses when alcohol is involved. For example, under Tenn. Code. Ann. §57-5-301, anyone under the age of 21 who knowingly presents false ID to a person selling alcohol is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. You may be fined $50, imprisoned for 30 days, or potentially fined and imprisoned. Alcohol is almost always the reason for an underage person acquiring a fake ID, so law enforcement has its radar up regarding this issue.
Contact a Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have a legitimate license that a police officer believes is phony, you need reliable representation to defend your innocence. One of your first steps to protect your freedom should be contacting a Nashville criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help you understand Tennessee laws surrounding fake licenses as well as suggest defenses that will strengthen your case. Additionally, a criminal defense lawyer knows what needs to be said to get your bail set at a reasonable amount, to allow you to not spend time behind bars while awaiting trial.
Gather Evidence
If you have been accused of having a fake ID in your possession, you will want to gather evidence that proves the authenticity of your license. Upon running it through the system, the legitimacy of your license should be verified. However, if something does appear to be amiss, you may want to contact the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV has online services that allow you to verify the legitimacy of your license. Although the DMV does offer online services to this effect, when facing criminal charges, you should call the DMV to get faster assistance.
Speak with a Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been accused of presenting a fake ID, our Nashville criminal defense attorneys are available to provide you assistance. With all three of our defense lawyers having experience as prosecutors, we know what loopholes the State will attempt to take advantage of. If you are interested in discussing your matter with our legal team, do not hesitate to contact Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, online or by calling (615) 846-9889. We offer free consultations.