MAKE OR USE A FAKE DRIVER'S LICENSE: FELONY
House Bill 4037
Sponsor: Rep. Jennifer Faunce
Committee: Criminal Justice
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4037 AS INTRODUCED 1-25-01
Currently, the Michigan Vehicle Code makes it a misdemeanor (a) to intentionally reproduce, alter, counterfeit, forge, or duplicate a driver's license photograph, the negative of the photograph, an image, a license, the electronic data contained on a license (or a part of a license) or (b) to use a license, an image, or photograph that has been reproduced, altered, counterfeited, forged, or duplicated. If the intent of the person committing the driver's license reproduction, alteration, counterfeiting, forging, duplication, or use is to commit or aid in the commission of an offense punishable by imprisonment for one or more years, the person committing the offense is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment equal to the length of imprisonment for the crime that the person intended to commit or aid. The court also can assess a fine of up to $10,000 against the person. If the offense that the person intends to commit or aid is punishable by less than one year, the person committing the driver's license offense is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
The bill would amend the vehicle code to strike the current intent and misdemeanor language and instead make it a felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to $10,000, to intentionally forge (reproduce, alter, and so on) a driver's license or to use a forged (reproduced, altered, and so on) driver's license.
MCL 257.310
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.