YOU MAY HAVE SEEN TODD SPODEK ON THE NETFLIX SHOW INVENTING ANNA
When you’re facing a federal issue, you need an attorney whose going to be available 24/7 to help you get the results and outcome you need. The value of working with the Spodek Law Group is that we treat each and every client like a member of our family.
Fake ID and Underage Drinking in New Jersey
Fake ID and Underage Drinking in New Jersey
Using a fake ID to buy and drink alcohol while underage in New Jersey is a crime. If you get convicted, you will likely be fined and could potentially be put in jail. You will also lose your driver’s license for a minimum of 6 months. Even worse, when you apply for a job, a college loan or scholarship, your conviction will appear on your record as a sign of dishonesty and a willingness to break the rules.
If you’re facing charges of using a fake ID and/or underage drinking in New Jersey, you need a defense attorney experienced in N.J. municipal and county courts to keep a poor decision off of your record. A defense attorney from Spodek Law Group can help you out.
We have former New Jersey prosecutors and public defenders on our team. We boast decades of combined experience with cases in courtrooms across the state.
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
Our defense attorneys maintain the local contacts necessary to negotiate a downgrade of the criminal charges to a municipal offense so that you can avoid a criminal conviction. A violation of a municipal ordinance can cost you in fines, but does not constitute a criminal offense in New Jersey.
Act fast for us to minimize the risk you face for a criminal charge of underage drinking or possession of alcohol, and/or possessing a false ID.
What Happens When You Get Caught with a Fake ID in New Jersey?
Using a fake ID, like a phony driver’s license, to purchase alcohol or cigarettes, or to get into a bar, is falsification of a government document and could be charged as an offense of the fourth degree in New Jersey. A person convicted of an offense of the fourth degree may face up to 18 months in prison and be ordered to pay a fine of as much as $10,000.
On the other hand, with an experienced New Jersey defense attorney on your team, using a phony ID is more likely to be charged as a disorderly persons offense. If you can demonstrate you used the fake ID only to obtain alcohol, tobacco or another product not legally sold to someone under the age of 21 or 18, this is possible. A disorderly persons offense could result in a fine of up to $1,000.
Nevertheless, whether using a fake ID is tried as a fourth-degree offense or a disorderly persons charge, a conviction will result in loss of New Jersey driving privileges. The judge will exercise some discretion for suspending your driver’s license, but he or she must do it for at least 6 months and no more than 2 years. If you are not 17 years old as yet, the driver’s license suspension begins on your 17th birthday.
If you are represented by an lawyer from Spodek Law Group, you give yourself a strong possibility of seeing a fake-ID charge against you dropped or reduced from a State of New Jersey criminal offense to a violation of a local municipal ordinance.
What Is the Penalty for Drinking Under the Age of 21 in New Jersey?
Typically, when we help our clients with false ID charges, they have are also facing charges of underage possession of alcohol and/or underage drinking.
The legal age for drinking alcohol in New Jersey is 21 years old, just as in every other U.S. state and Washington, D.C. In the state of New Jersey, violating the underage drinking laws in public is a disorderly persons offense, which can be punished by a fine of at least $500.
Possible Defenses for Fake ID and Underage Drinking Charges in New Jersey
There are numerous reasons charges for underage alcohol possession or possession of a fake ID may be reduced to a municipal ordinance violation, which does not result in a criminal record, or dismissed altogether. The prosecution must demonstrate any charges beyond a reasonable doubt, which we can make sure is not an easy task.
Issues we would be able to raise as we defend you from underage alcohol possession and/or fake ID charges include but are not limited to:
Proof of possession. Can the prosecutor demonstrate the alcohol or phony ID was legally in your possession?
Mistaken identity. Might there have been some confusion at the time of arrest, such as at a party or a crowded bar or street, which led to you being arrested simply for being at the wrong place at the wrong time?
Could racial, ethnic, socio-economic, age, gender, sexual orientation, or other bias (profiling) have led to your arrest?
Probable cause. Did police have a probably cause to stop you or your vehicle?
Was the search and seizure that led to alcohol or fake ID charges executed lawfully?
Did police duly advise you of your Miranda rights against self-incrimination?
It is not unusual for our attorneys to have underage drinking and phony ID charges lowered to a violation of a municipal ordinance, if not dropped altogether. If you are convicted of a municipal offense, it can get removed (expunged) from your record in 2 years, as opposed to 5 years for a criminal offense.
Our lawyers are capable of getting charges reduced and dropped for clients because of the relationships we have built over decades of working with local prosecutors across the state. When we inform prosecutors about a client who recognizes and regrets his or her mistake, they trust us.
Meet With Our Underage Alcohol / Fake ID Defense Attorneys As Soon As Possible
If you have been charged with an underage possession of alcohol offense and/or use of a fake ID to obtain alcohol or tobacco offense anywhere in New Jersey, an attorney from Spodek Law Group will work diligently to seek the best available outcome for you. There are opportunities our well seasoned attorneys can pursue to avoid the burden of a fine, loss of driving privileges, and getting a conviction on your criminal record.
Call Spodek Law Group at any of our New Jersey locations as soon as possible. An initial legal consultation with an attorney is always free.
