Under 521.453, a person under 21 commits an offense if they possess with intent to represent that the person is 21 years or older a document deceptively similar to a driver's license. Which offense classification applies?

Under 521.453, a person under 21 commits an offense if they possess with intent to represent that the person is 21 years or older a document deceptively similar to a driver's license. Which offense classification applies?

• A. Class A misdemeanor
• B. Class B misdemeanor
• C. Class C misdemeanor
• D. Felony

Answer: (C)

When a person under 21 possesses with the intent to present themselves as 21 or older a document that looks like a driver’s license, the offense is treated as a low-level, non-violent fraudulent identification act. That places it in Class C misdemeanor. The reason this is the correct classification is that the harm is the deception itself and it’s considered a minor, single-act offense, not something that involves violence or a possible jail sentence. Class C misdemeanors in this area are punishable by a fine (up to $500) but do not carry jail time. Higher classifications (Class A or B or a felony) would require more serious elements or consequences, which this statute does not involve.

When a person under 21 possesses with the intent to present themselves as 21 or older a document that looks like a driver’s license, the offense is treated as a low-level, non-violent fraudulent identification act. That places it in Class C misdemeanor. The reason this is the correct classification is that the harm is the deception itself and it’s considered a minor, single-act offense, not something that involves violence or a possible jail sentence. Class C misdemeanors in this area are punishable by a fine (up to $500) but do not carry jail time. Higher classifications (Class A or B or a felony) would require more serious elements or consequences, which this statute does not involve.