Identification fraud is a crime that is committed frequently by persons under the age of 21. This fraud has been rapidly increasing over the past decade due to the growth advancing in technology. Being under the age of 21, I have seen the possession and use of Fake Identification Cards (fake id's) frequently among my peer group. The most common use of them is to purchase alcohol and be admitted into bars and/or clubs. I have found it intriguing how these cards are produced and how genuine they look. My curiosity led me to ponder on what the consequences some of my peers would encounter if they were convicted of identification fraud and why it is so common. As it turned out, the penalties were much more serious then what I first imagined.
             In the U.S., penalties vary from state to state. State government officials in Virginia are making the penalties harsher for underage individuals using false identification. Young adults (aged 18 –20) who use a falsified DMV driver's license, military or university identification card to buy, possess or drink alcohol can be convicted of a Class 3 misdemeanor. When convicted they could have their driver's license suspended from 30 days to a year, be fined up to $2,500 and face up to 12 months.
             My curiosity led me to ponder on what the consequences some of my peers would encounter if they were convicted of identification fraud and why it is so common. As it turned out, the penalties were much more serious then what I first imagined. In the U.S., penalties vary from state to state. State government officials in Virginia are making the penalties harsher for underage individuals using false identification. Young adults (aged 18 –20) who use a falsified DMV driver's license, military or university identification card to buy, possess or drink alcohol can be convicted of a Class 3 misdemeanor.
             When convicted they could have their driver's license suspended from 30 days to a year, ...