Lake Como, NJ Fake ID Charges

The Jersey Shore is known for its lively nightlife, especially during the summer months. Lake Como, New Jersey, is no exception. With popular bars like Bar Anticipation and Joe’s Surf Shack drawing large crowds of young adults, the area becomes a magnet for college students, beachgoers, and vacationers. Unfortunately, it also becomes a hotspot for criminal charges involving fake IDs, trespassing, and disorderly conduct.

At The Law Office of Tara Breslow, we understand how a night out can quickly spiral into a serious legal issue. Attorney Tara Breslow, a seasoned criminal defense lawyer with 25 years of experience, represents individuals charged with fake ID offenses and related crimes throughout Monmouth County and the entire Jersey Shore. Our firm is well-positioned to provide experienced, local legal representation for those facing charges in Lake Como and beyond.

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. 

If you or your child has been arrested or issued a summons for using a fake ID, it is essential to understand the charges, the potential penalties, and your legal options. This page explains New Jersey’s fake ID laws, the most common scenarios that result in arrest, and how our firm can help.

Understanding Fake ID Offenses in New Jersey

What Is Considered a Fake ID?

In New Jersey, a “fake ID” refers to any form of identification that is forged, altered, or used illegally to misrepresent a person’s identity, age, or legal status. This can include entirely counterfeit documents, altered driver’s licenses, or someone else’s legitimate ID used fraudulently.

The most common reason young adults use a fake ID is to gain access to establishments that serve alcohol. Places like Bar Anticipation and Joe’s Surf Shack are known for their energetic party scenes, and many underage individuals try to sneak past bouncers and bartenders with falsified identification. What may seem like a harmless rite of passage can result in serious legal consequences.

Relevant New Jersey Statutes

Fake ID charges are prosecuted under several sections of New Jersey’s criminal code, depending on the circumstances.

N.J.S.A. 2C:21-2.1 addresses the sale or possession of false government documents, including driver’s licenses and state-issued IDs. Under this statute, it is a second-degree crime to knowingly sell or possess with the intent to sell a fake ID. It is also a second-degree offense to possess materials or equipment used to manufacture such documents. Penalties include five to ten years in prison and fines of up to $150,000.

N.J.S.A. 2C:21-2.3 applies more directly to individuals who simply use a fake ID, such as a college student trying to get into a bar. This statute makes it a fourth-degree crime to knowingly exhibit or display a false government-issued document. A conviction may result in up to 18 months in prison and fines reaching $10,000. However, many first-time offenders may face disorderly persons charges instead, which carry less severe penalties.

N.J.S.A. 2C:28-7 covers impersonation and identity theft. In cases where someone uses another person’s legitimate ID to misrepresent themselves, this law may apply. Depending on the specific facts, this can be charged as a third- or fourth-degree offense.

Fake ID Use as a Disorderly Persons Offense

In many cases involving fake IDs, particularly those involving first-time offenders, prosecutors may file charges as a disorderly persons offense rather than an indictable crime. This is roughly equivalent to a misdemeanor in other states and is still a serious matter. A conviction can lead to:

• Up to six months in jail
  
• A fine of up to $1,000
  
• A permanent criminal record
  
• Suspension of driving privileges

Even if jail time is unlikely for a first-time offender, the long-term consequences of having a criminal record for dishonesty-related offenses can be devastating, especially for students, job seekers, or those seeking professional licenses.

Fake ID Arrests in Lake Como: How They Happen

Common Arrest Locations

Lake Como is a popular nightlife destination for locals and tourists alike. The two most common venues associated with fake ID charges are:

Bar Anticipation (also known as “Bar A”)
One of the most well-known party spots at the Jersey Shore, Bar A regularly hosts events, concerts, and large weekend gatherings. The entrance is heavily monitored, and bouncers are trained to detect fake IDs. Local law enforcement officers often coordinate with bar staff to arrest individuals caught with fraudulent identification.

Joe’s Surf Shack
Just down the road from Bar A, Joe’s Surf Shack draws crowds with its beach vibes, music, and affordable drinks. Like other bars in the area, staff and police are on high alert for underage drinkers and those using altered IDs.

During the summer months, when the town swells with tourists and college students, police patrols are increased, and undercover operations are not uncommon. Officers may wait outside the bar or inside to question patrons and confiscate suspicious IDs.

How Police Handle Fake ID Cases

In most cases, when someone is caught trying to use a fake ID at the door or at the bar, security staff will confiscate the document and detain the person until police arrive. Depending on the situation, the individual may be issued a summons or arrested on the spot.

Police may also charge additional offenses, such as trespassing if the individual refuses to leave after being denied entry, or disorderly conduct if they cause a disturbance. These related charges can significantly increase the seriousness of the case.

College Students and Out-of-Town Visitors

Many of those charged with fake ID offenses in Lake Como are college students from schools like Rutgers, Monmouth University, or out-of-state universities who are visiting the Jersey Shore for the weekend. These individuals are often unfamiliar with local laws and procedures.

A fake ID charge can lead to disciplinary proceedings at the student’s college or university. Some schools consider these offenses violations of student conduct codes and may impose penalties including probation, suspension, or even expulsion. This is especially true if alcohol-related misconduct is involved.

Out-of-state visitors may also face logistical complications, such as having to return to New Jersey for court appearances or dealing with warrants if they fail to appear. An experienced local defense attorney can often arrange for appearances to be waived or negotiated through counsel.

Juvenile Fake ID Charges

If the person caught using a fake ID is under the age of 18, the case will typically be handled in the juvenile justice system. While the penalties can still be serious, the process is different from adult criminal court. The focus is more on rehabilitation than punishment.

Still, a juvenile adjudication can affect college admissions, scholarships, and future employment. Parents often assume these matters will be handled quietly or dismissed outright, but that is not always the case. Having skilled legal representation is critical, even in juvenile court.

How Tara Breslow Can Help

Personalized Defense Strategies

Every case is unique, and attorney Tara Breslow takes the time to understand the specific circumstances of each client’s situation. She evaluates the strength of the prosecution’s case, investigates how the ID was discovered, and determines whether the police followed proper procedures.

For instance, if the ID was seized without consent or probable cause, there may be grounds to suppress the evidence. In other situations, it may be possible to argue that the defendant did not knowingly possess or use a fake ID.

Tara Breslow also works with prosecutors to negotiate outcomes that minimize long-term consequences. For first-time offenders, this may include conditional dismissal, plea agreements, or even municipal ordinance violations that do not result in a criminal record.

Experience You Can Trust

Attorney Tara Breslow brings over 25 years of criminal defense experience to every case. She has a strong foundation in New Jersey criminal procedure and trial practice. Known for her attention to detail and commitment to her clients, she has successfully defended hundreds of individuals facing criminal charges at the Jersey Shore.

Whether your case is being handled in Belmar Municipal Court or Monmouth County Superior Court, Tara Breslow has the local insight and professional experience needed to navigate the system.

Contact The Law Office of Tara Breslow

A fake ID charge may seem minor in the moment, but it can carry lasting consequences. Whether you are a parent seeking help for your child, a college student arrested during a night out, or an out-of-state visitor unsure of what to do next, The Law Office of Tara Breslow can help.

We provide experienced criminal defense throughout the Jersey Shore, including Lake Como, Belmar, Asbury Park, and all of Monmouth County. Attorney Tara Breslow offers smart, compassionate, and strategic legal representation that puts your future first.

If you have been charged with a fake ID offense, trespassing, or disorderly conduct, contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.