Offenses Involving False Government Documents
New Jersey considers it a criminal offense to falsify government documents or possess falsified government documents. A government document is generally defined as a document issued by a government agency that can be used as a means to verify a person’s identity, age, or other personal identifying information. Two examples of such documents are a driver’s license and a birth certificate. Falsified government documents may also include records containing false information that an individual submits to a state agency, such as an employment assistance center or social services office. Individuals typically falsify government documents to illegally purchase alcohol or tobacco products. They may also falsify government documents to receive government benefits to which they are not entitled.
Knowingly selling, offering, or transferring a government document that contains false information is a crime of the second degree. A crime of the second degree is punishable by up to 5 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $150,000. Knowingly making or possessing materials to make a false government document is also a crime of the second degree. If a person knowingly displays a false government document, they can be charged with a crime of the third degree. A crime of the third degree is punishable by up to 3 to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000.
If a person uses the personal identifying information of another to illegally buy an alcoholic beverage, or a tobacco product that a person under 18 cannot buy, they may be charged with a disorderly persons offense. A disorderly persons offense has a maximum sentence of up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $1,000. It is a crime of the fourth degree if a person possesses a false government document. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a maximum of 18 months in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
If an adult or juvenile is charged with an offense involving false government documents and is convicted or adjudicated delinquent, they forfeit their right to operate a motor vehicle in New Jersey. The period of their forfeiture must not be less than 6 months and not more than 2 years. The term of their forfeiture begins on the day that the sentence is imposed. The court may collect an individual’s driver’s license and forward it to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission along with a report. The report will include the complete name, address, date of birth, eye color, and sex of the person. The report will note the first and last day of the period during which the individual is not allowed to drive.
If the person charged with an offense has a driver’s license from another state, the court will not collect their driver’s license. They will, however, notify the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. This agency will have the responsibility of notifying the appropriate officials in the other state. The court will revoke the person’s non-resident driving privileges in New Jersey.
