The Michigan Daily Newspaper

Fake IDs at the 'U': what will Get You Caught
By Layla J. Merritt
Daily Staff Reporter
January 9th, 2003

Fake IDs are not hard to acquire.
If you are fortunate enough to have an older sibling, the process is simple. You can either use their ID, or visit the DMV and claim that you lost your license.
There are other illegal ways to obtain a fake ID. Searching the Internet will produce a lot of results. Online fake IDs, fraudulent high school and college diplomas, trade certificates and even letters of recommendation can all be purchased for a relatively small fee.
Common sites for purchasing fake IDs are fakeid.us.com, killerids.com and blueprinted.com.
The use of fake identification cards is common around campus. Many students use them and a few make them.
"Students at the University have been caught producing fake IDs out of their residence halls in the past," said Diane Brown of the Department of Public Safety.
"Whether for you or for others, producing fake IDs is a serious offence in the state of Michigan punishable by up to 14 years in prison," said DPS Sgt. Melissa Overton.
Although many people may not have to go to jail for using a fake, the consequences can compound when they are charged by city and University officials.
In Ann Arbor, producing and/or selling fake IDs is a felony, and simply using one is a misdemeanor punishable by jailtime and a fine.
If the University discovers you have been used a fake ID, it may also take decisive action against you.
"We don't have prescribed sanctions. We use a range of sanctions for every case and use the facts to implement sanctions," said Keith Elkin, director of the Office of Student Conflict and Resolution, which handles University policies on issues like fake IDs.
Elkin said that, for a first time offense, if a student accepts responsibility for their actions they will be placed on a lengthy disciplinary probation and will be additionally required to write what he calls a "reflection paper."
"The student is typically given a topic that's closely related to the offense. For us, it's a way for the student to think about what they did and how they view their actions," Elkin said.
An offense like using or producing a fake ID could result in suspension, but it is not automatic and it depends on the individual case, Elkin added.
If the student denies the allegations they have a choice of being judged before a panel of trained students or a resolution office. The dean who may reject, accept, or modify the judgment will then review that decision. However, the student may appeal the decision, at which time the judgment will be reviewed by the vice president of student affairs. The student's sentence ultimately rests with the vice president.