Underage students who use fake driver’s licenses or state identification cards to gain entry to bars set themselves up for severe punishment, according to law enforcement officials. The degree of punishment is measured by the nature of the identification used.

“The state of Illinois recognizes two different types of fake driver’s licenses or IDs,” said Lt. Roy Acree of the University Police. “One is the fictitious ID. The fictitious ID would have already had a number on file, or already have been assigned to a person.

The person who has this ID may have altered the ID’s picture or information on the card. If caught, the person would be charged with a Class 4 felony. If caught again, it’s a Class 3 felony.”

In Illinois, Acree said, a Class 4 felony is punishable by 1 to 3 years of imprisonment with a possibility of probation. A Class 3 felony pulls the prison sentence up to 2 to 5 years with a possibility of probation.

“The other type of fake ID is the fraudulent ID,” Acree said. “The fraudulent ID is one that is not assigned a number. It’s a fake license or ID card with incorrect information, such as the address and name on the card, that was never registered with the state.”

Champaign has its own city ordinance with regards to people using fake IDs to get into the bars, Acree said.

“If someone is caught using a fake ID to get into a bar, they are automatically fined $310,” he said.

On University campuses, people are more likely to be irresponsible with IDs, said Linda Foley, founder of the Identity Theft Resource Center.

“A student should never lend their ID out for any reason, like getting into a bar,” Foley said. “If someone has their driver’s license, that is an illegal act.

What’s to stop them from driving home with it, and turning it over to a police officer when found speeding? That could lead to citations, and even warrants for your arrest, if nothing is reported.”

Amber Carpenter, an officer with th Urbana Police Department, said that cases involving stolen IDs are just charged as stolen items by the department. The crime is then sent to the Illinois State’s Attorney to determine the punishment.

“It’s essential to file a police report when your credit card, social security card or any other form of ID is lost,” Foley said. “The repercussions from losing one of these are great. If someone finds one of those cards, you have to assume that they will be used.”

Former Illini football player Vontae Davis was involved in a case of mistaken identity on June 9.

A man handed over Davis’ driver’s license after being pulled over in Champaign, according to Champaign police reports and a statement.

Davis later told other media that he had reported his wallet as stolen earlier in the year.