Is Possession of Counterfeit Drivers License a Crime Involving Fraud

[stefpdt]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Oklahoma/Other U.S. states if applicable.

So as a dumb nineteen year old, I was caught and arrested for possession of a counterfeit drivers license (was actually a fake ID) outside of a liquor store. I was charged with a felony however it's in the process of being dismissed (and hopefully expunged, we'll see) within a year or so.

I realize this will cause major trouble in the future but I'm ready to deal with any consequences.

My question is this...Is this actually considered a crime of fraud? I realize this question sounds dumb because I kind of technically committed fraud by owning a fake ID, however the crime was solely alcohol related (I didn't steal anyone's identity).

I'm studying at a university and just wondering if I should change my major from Finance to another. I'm unsure if this will be considered an automatic NO from financial institutions/banks when I eventually go job hunting.

[stefpdt]

I apologize for the double post but I couldn't find an "edit" button. I just wanted to clarify that my question is directed towards anyone in HR of a financial industry, or any financial industry recruiter, so that I can receive appropriate answers. Or really anyone who is truly knowledgeable in this area.

I currently have a criminal defense attorney but he doesn't know the answer to this question.

[stefpdt]

Just giving this thread one last bump to see if anyone has any insight at all. If not then I'll be gone I suppose.

[cdwjava]

Whether it is classified as "fraud" or not will depend upon the laws of the state where the charge has been made. It would seem to be a crime of moral turpitude and could reflect negatively upon your character, but whether it will be a bar to employment or not is a question you might have to ask of a potential employer depending on the specific sort of business you intend to get into.

[AZDeputyClerk]

It appears to be a crime of moral turpitude and you should definately ask if it will be a bar to employment in your field. It would seem that it would be a bar as it involves intentional misrepresentation.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Just giving this thread one last bump to see if anyone has any insight at all. If not then I'll be gone I suppose.

You should have followed the instruction not to reply to your own thread.

You didn't share the crime you were charged with committing, so we cannot comment on whether that's a crime that would be implicated if a future employer or licensing agency inquires about fraud.

[stefpdt]

You should have followed the instruction not to reply to your own thread.

You didn't share the crime you were charged with committing, so we cannot comment on whether that's a crime that would be implicated if a future employer or licensing agency inquires about fraud.

I'm sorry. I thought that it would be more reasonable to bump my own thread rather than create a duplicate topic. Won't happen again.

I was charged with: Unlawful Possession of a Counterfeit Driver's License in Oklahoma. It appears to be a driving related offense however I can't tell if it crosses the line of fraud. Again, any insight is appreciated.

Edit - Violated 47 O.S. 6-301 2 (b). It falls under Identification Fraud which falls under a motor vehicle violation. Looks like it is considered fraud. Thank you all for your time.

[Beth3]

Speaking as a senior human resources professional, if everyone who had a fake I.D. in college couldn't get a job, a whole lot of people would be unemployed. I can't speak for every employer but it's unlikely this one stupid mistake will bar you from employment in your chosen field. When the time comes and you're interviewing for a position with a financial institution and they say they're going to do a background check, tell the interviewer what they're going to find. It's much better that you inform the prospective employer and explain the circumstances than have them be surprised when the background check arrives.

In the meantime, keep your record clean and don't do anything else unlawful. Employers understand a stupid teenage mistake but a pattern of those, particularly as you enter your twenties, would definitely cause you problems obtaining employment. Good luck.

[davidmcbeth3]

Edit - Violated 47 O.S. 6-301 2 (b). It falls under Identification Fraud which falls under a motor vehicle violation. Looks like it is considered fraud. Thank you all for your time.

There you go.

[stefpdt]

Speaking as a senior human resources professional, if everyone who had a fake I.D. in college couldn't get a job, a whole lot of people would be unemployed. I can't speak for every employer but it's unlikely this one stupid mistake will bar you from employment in your chosen field. When the time comes and you're interviewing for a position with a financial institution and they say they're going to do a background check, tell the interviewer what they're going to find. It's much better that you inform the prospective employer and explain the circumstances than have them be surprised when the background check arrives.

In the meantime, keep your record clean and don't do anything else unlawful. Employers understand a stupid teenage mistake but a pattern of those, particularly as you enter your twenties, would definitely cause you problems obtaining employment. Good luck.

I truly appreciate your reply. I'm confident that I can find a business related job. However, for the most part financial industries look down upon counterfeit and fraud, and my type of charge is so borderline alcohol related that it's a frustrating situation. Thanks again.