What is the punishment for 'USING' a fake id in the U.K to purchase alcohol out of a shop?

Question

Hi, I would like to know what the punishment is for USING a fake id to purchase alcohol or cigarettes is i am currently 15 and would like to know what would happen if i got caught with a fake ID with a made up name (thought up in my head) - and if i used my real name just a different date of birth - could you tell me the punishment to both situations?

I also heard that if caught by police you could be arrested and put in prison for 5 - 10 years?! Is that true - i saw it on a BBC News site.

I am currently in the U.K (England) - And I'm just curios about what could happen - Your answer would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

No 15 year old would get a 5 year prison sentence unless they were a serious criminal.

If you buy alcohol underage it is the shopkeeper who is breaking the law, not the person buying it.

I don't know how serious having a fake id would be - not very I suspect, I doubt it is even a crime.

I still don't think it's a good idea for you to be doing it though..

Answer 2

Probably the offence may be criminal deception. The fake ID may be considered to be "going equipped" that is an offence in itself. The punishment ? In English law, a maximum punishment is laid down by statute, if 5 years or more, an offence can then be regarded as " An arrestable offence"

In the case you describe, if the offence(s) were admitted, it is most likely the Police would give you a "verbal caution" the purists would have you believe that this means "all sorts" and is very serious. In reality, you have been let off !!!  

Answer 3

What do you mean by 'using' a fake id? Not only are you using it, but you are manipulating it to your convenience. Just don't do it. That's WHY they have a law against it. Not so they can punish you, but to keep kids from getting into trouble.

Answer 4

Well you wont be arrested. You would only be prosecuted for purchasing the items under age....and if it is a first offence you would probably only receive a caution.

Answer 5

I have no idea to be honest but I wouldn't recommend trying it.

I would assume the BBC site is fairly accurate- they usually are!

Answer 6

This happened to someone i know, the shop keeper phoned the police which came down to the shop and they took away her fake ID and she was given a cation because of your age you can not be sent to prison so that thing you have read is not right.

I also live in England

Answer 7

You would be perpetrating a fraud and could therefore be prosecuted and gaoled. In practise you would probably only get your wrist smacked. mind you the police would keep a record of it and would probably take a sample of your DNA for future reference. Its the shop keeper who would suffer the most with a large fine and possibly even lose his licence to sell tobacco or alcohol.