{"id":10918,"date":"2026-05-13T01:31:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T18:31:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cookattorneys.com\/?p=10918"},"modified":"2026-05-13T01:38:21","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T18:38:21","slug":"what-to-do-if-your-jmu-or-emu-student-is-charged-with-a-fake-id","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cookattorneys.com\/es\/what-to-do-if-your-jmu-or-emu-student-is-charged-with-a-fake-id\/","title":{"rendered":"The Parent\u2019s Guide: What to Do If Your JMU or EMU Student Is Charged with a Fake ID"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"young<\/a><\/p>\n

What do you do if your student, fresh into adulthood, finds themselves faced with fake ID charges?<\/span><\/p>\n

It often starts with a late-night phone call or an anxious text. For many parents of students at James Madison University or Eastern Mennonite University, learning that their child has been charged with possessing or using a “fake ID” is a moment of significant stress.<\/span><\/p>\n

In college towns like Harrisonburg, law enforcement and Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents are vigilant. While a fake ID might seem like a “rite of passage” to a college student, in the eyes of Virginia law, it is a serious matter that can have long-term implications for a young person\u2019s criminal record, driving privileges, and academic standing.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you find yourself in this position, your role as a parent is vital. Here is a guide on how to navigate the legal and academic hurdles ahead with caution and clarity.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Know the Laws<\/b><\/h2>\n

The initial shock may lead to frustration, but the first step is to gather the facts. Ask your child for the specific code section cited on their summons. In Virginia, “fake ID” charges typically fall under several different statutes, and the specific charge matters significantly because the conduct involved (possessing, using, making, or distributing a fake ID) can determine both the applicable statute and the severity of the charge:<\/span><\/p>\n