Felony charges are very serious. For a student, a conviction of felony charges has a significant impact on future opportunities for education and work. This is why it is important that those charged with crimes have dedicated criminal law attorneys on their side.

The futures of many University of Georgia and Gainesville State College students are in jeopardy as they are being investigated for their involvement in a large-scale fake ID ring.

According to a news report, a complex fake ID ring involving hundreds of students was recently uncovered. The investigation began sometime before September and it is currently ongoing. Reportedly, police were tipped off about the ring by a freshman student at the University of Georgia.

One UGA female student was later arrested on a felony charge of possession and distribution of fraudulent IDs in relation to the case. The investigation then led police to a GSC student who was accused of manufacturing the IDs.

Police searched the GSC student's home, seizing laptops, iPhones, printers, ID cards and more. More information led the police to conduct a search at a UGA fraternity house, where they allegedly found fake drivers' licenses, drug paraphernalia and illegal drugs.

The female UGA student is the only person who has been arrested so far in connection with this case. She has reportedly admitted that she sold more than 30 fake IDs. Earlier in the investigation, police told students who turned in their fake IDs that they would not face charges. More than 300 students turned in IDs, but police say they still expect to arrest many students by the middle of the semester.

Oftentimes, young people make serious mistakes, but it is not right for such mistakes to carry a dark cloud over a person for his or her lifetime. While police were lenient in allowing students to turn in their IDs without consequences, this does not mean that prosecutors will be lenient with those who will face charges. These students will need an aggressive and proactive legal defense.

Source: RedandBlack.com, "University police uncover fake ID network," Wil Petty, Jan. 8, 2012