Manasquan, NJ Fake ID Charges

Manasquan, New Jersey, is a popular Jersey Shore destination, especially during the summer months when bars like Leggett’s Sand Bar and The Osprey draw large crowds of college students, young adults, and seasonal visitors. These venues are staples of the local nightlife scene, known for their vibrant atmosphere and long lines on Friday and Saturday nights. Unfortunately, the popularity of these bars has also made Manasquan a hotspot for underage drinking and fake ID use. Each summer, local police conduct targeted enforcement operations, often collaborating with state agencies to catch minors attempting to enter bars with fraudulent identification.

If you or your child has been charged with using a fake ID in Manasquan, the consequences can be more serious than you might expect. A conviction can result in a criminal record, fines, license suspension, and even jail time. What begins as a night out with friends can quickly turn into a life-altering experience. 

Tara runs a boutique firm where she personally handles every case. She is passionate about getting to know each of her clients and she believes that the best advocacy comes from having one attorney and point of contact.

She is a seasoned criminal defense attorney who has spent 25 years representing clients throughout the Jersey Shore.  

The Law Office of Tara Breslow serves clients across the Jersey Shore, providing experienced, aggressive defense representation for individuals accused of fake ID offenses, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and other related crimes in and around Manasquan.

Understanding Fake ID Charges in New Jersey

Fake ID charges are prosecuted under several statutes in the New Jersey Criminal Code, depending on the nature of the alleged offense. Most commonly, these cases fall under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-2.1, which addresses crimes involving false government documents, and N.J.S.A. 33:1-81, which relates to underage alcohol offenses. The exact charge will depend on whether the individual merely possessed a fake ID, attempted to use it, or created or distributed false documents.

Possessing or using a fake government-issued ID to gain entry to a bar or purchase alcohol is typically charged as a third-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-2.1(c) if the ID is forged, altered, or contains false information intended to deceive authorities. This can carry a sentence of 3 to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000. If the offense is limited to a minor trying to use a borrowed or altered ID to buy alcohol or enter a 21+ venue, the charge may be downgraded to a disorderly persons offense, but the stakes remain serious.

In some cases, the charge may be accompanied by additional offenses such as trespassing (N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3) or disorderly conduct (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2), especially if the individual was denied entry but attempted to enter a venue anyway, engaged in disruptive behavior, or was found intoxicated in public.

Fake ID Arrests at Manasquan Bars

Leggett’s Sand Bar and The Osprey are two of the most well-known establishments in Manasquan. Their popularity with college students and vacationers makes them frequent targets of law enforcement surveillance. Officers often stand nearby or work undercover, monitoring ID checks and detaining individuals suspected of using fraudulent identification. These operations are especially common during Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July celebrations, and throughout the summer season.

Manasquan police are known to take a proactive approach in these situations. If a bartender or bouncer suspects an ID is fake, they may confiscate it and signal a nearby officer. In many cases, the individual is arrested on the spot, questioned, and later released with a summons. However, depending on the circumstances, particularly if the person resists, provides false information, or becomes disorderly, they may face additional charges or be taken into custody.

It is not uncommon for these cases to involve college students from schools like Rutgers, Monmouth University, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), or out-of-state schools visiting the Jersey Shore. Parents are often shocked to learn that their son or daughter is facing criminal charges for what they thought was a harmless mistake.

Criminal Penalties for Fake ID Offenses

The consequences for a fake ID conviction in New Jersey can vary based on the severity of the charge. For example:

Third-Degree Crime Under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-2.1

If the ID is determined to be a forged government document, the person may be charged with a third-degree felony. This includes:

• A potential prison sentence of 3 to 5 years
  
• Fines up to $15,000
  
• A permanent criminal record
  
• Possible driver’s license suspension

Disorderly Persons Offense Under N.J.S.A. 33:1-81

If the offense involves an underage individual merely attempting to use a borrowed or altered ID to buy alcohol, they may be charged with a disorderly persons offense, which can include:

• Up to 6 months in jail
  
• Fines up to $1,000
  
• Community service
  
• Suspension of driving privileges for up to 6 months

Additional charges, such as trespassing or disorderly conduct, can lead to further penalties and court appearances in Manasquan Municipal Court or Monmouth County Superior Court, depending on the charge’s severity.

College Students and First-Time Offenders

For many young people, a fake ID arrest is their first contact with the criminal justice system. It is critical that their future is not permanently impacted by one bad decision. A criminal record can interfere with college admissions, student loan eligibility, internships, and future employment. For current students, disciplinary consequences from their university may also follow, including suspension or expulsion.

Attorney Tara Breslow understands how to protect young clients’ futures and reputations. When representing college students or first-time offenders, she explores every available legal option, conditional dismissal, or municipal downgrades that avoid a permanent record.

Diversion Programs and Legal Alternatives

Depending on the circumstances and the defendant’s prior record, there may be alternatives to conviction that can help resolve the case without long-term damage:

Conditional Dismissal Program

This program allows first-time offenders charged with disorderly persons offenses, including fake ID or disorderly conduct, to avoid a criminal record by completing a probationary period of up to one year. If the person remains arrest-free and meets all program conditions, the charge is dismissed at the end of the term.

Pretrial Intervention (PTI)

For more serious charges, such as third-degree crimes, PTI offers an opportunity to avoid prison and a permanent record. Entry into PTI requires approval from the prosecutor and the court and typically involves supervision, drug testing, and other conditions. Upon successful completion, the charge is dismissed.

Downgrades to Municipal Ordinances

In some cases, Attorney Breslow may negotiate a downgrade to a municipal ordinance violation. This is a non-criminal offense that does not appear on a criminal background check and typically involves a fine, but no jail time or probation.

How Attorney Tara Breslow Can Help

Tara runs a boutique firm where she personally handles every case. She is passionate about getting to know each of her clients and she believes that the best advocacy comes from having one attorney and point of contact.

She is a seasoned criminal defense attorney who has spent 25 years representing clients in Monmouth County and throughout New Jersey. She has extensive experience in municipal and superior courts.

She brings a personal, strategic, and aggressive approach to each case she handles. Whether she is arguing for a dismissal, seeking entry into a diversion program, or fighting to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence, she is focused on protecting her client’s rights and minimizing the impact of criminal charges.

For clients charged in Manasquan, she has deep familiarity with the local courts, prosecutors, and police practices, which allows her to anticipate issues and effectively advocate for her clients. Whether the case is being handled in Manasquan Municipal Court or Monmouth County Superior Court, she provides strong representation every step of the way.

Protecting Your Future After a Fake ID Arrest

Being charged with a fake ID offense may feel overwhelming, especially when it happens while you’re away from home, on vacation, or visiting friends. For many young adults, this is their first brush with the law, and the experience can be frightening and confusing. The fear of a criminal record, court dates, fines, and possible jail time can take a toll on your emotional well-being and your academic or career plans.

But it is important to remember that you have rights, and you are not alone. An arrest is not the same as a conviction. With the help of an experienced Jersey Shore criminal defense lawyer, there are often multiple avenues for resolving the case favorably. Attorney Tara Breslow takes the time to understand each client’s unique situation, investigates the circumstances of the arrest, and works diligently to build a strong defense tailored to the client’s goals.

Serving Clients Across the Jersey Shore

The Law Office of Tara Breslow handles fake ID, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and other criminal cases across the Jersey Shore, including in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. If you were arrested at Leggett’s, The Osprey, or another bar or nightclub in Manasquan, or if your child is facing charges stemming from a summer trip to the shore, it is critical to act quickly. Prompt legal intervention can often make the difference between a criminal conviction and a clean slate.

Tara Breslow represents residents of New Jersey as well as out-of-state visitors who need a trusted advocate during a difficult time. She is accessible, responsive, and deeply committed to achieving the best outcome in every case. 

Contact The Law Office of Tara Breslow Today

If you or your child has been charged with using a fake ID in Manasquan, NJ, do not wait to seek legal guidance. These charges can result in serious consequences that follow you for years to come. With the right legal defense, many fake ID cases can be resolved through diversion, dismissal, or reduction to non-criminal offenses.

Call The Law Office of Tara Breslow today to schedule a confidential consultation. From fake ID and underage drinking to trespassing and disorderly conduct, Attorney Breslow is ready to fight for your future. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the local courts, she has what it takes to protect your rights and keep your record clean.