For college students in Minnesota, some would argue that underage drinking is a rite of passage. College students all over the country do it and many get fake IDs to be able to get into the bars. The issue though is that sometimes these students end up getting caught and having to face serious legal repercussions for underage drinking.
Underage drinking and using fake IDs to purchase alcohol is certainly rather common. In fact, in 2007 a study was conducted on Midwestern undergraduates. Of those asked, 32 percent admitted to having a fake ID by the second year of college.
Typically what happens is that students go off to college. While there, at the start of each semester, a couple of students from another school will show up and set up an area to make fake IDs for others. This can be done with something as simple as a laptop and a laminating machine.
In other cases, students simply buy these “novelty” IDs off of the internet.
These IDs are then used to buy alcohol. However, if police are called to a house party or students are busted drinking on campus, something that most thought was just a normal part of the college experience turns into criminal charges.
Those who make the IDs — even just other college students — also sometimes end up getting caught. These college students often find themselves grouped into the same category as criminals and terrorists who are known for making fraudulent identification cards. These charges normally result in prison time.
In talking about underage drinking, the take home message is that even though drinking alcohol is looked at as something many college students do, for those facing minor consumption charges it is still a good idea to speak with an attorney. This attorney can try to work with the state and judge to come up with a plan that makes the most sense and is the most beneficial to the person charged.
Source: BBC News, “Why fake ID is an American rite of passage,” Jon Kelly, April 7, 2013