Credit cards, bank cards, identification cards, membership cards -- we don't dare leave home without them.  Equally important as knowing what's expected of us when we sign for those cards is the awareness of the penalties imposed when the cards are misused.

Possession of an altered driver's license or personal identification card:  First offense - a fine of not more than $200 or imprisonment up to 30 days.  Second or subsequent offense - a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment not more than six months.

Lending a driver's license or personal identification card to any other person:  First offense - a fine of not more than $200 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days and suspension of driver's license for a period of 90 days.  Second or subsequent offense - a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, and suspension of driver's license for 6 months.

Altering a driver's license: A fine of not more than $2,500 or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both and suspension of driver's license for a period of 90 days for a first offense, and 6 months for a second or subsequent offense.

Using someone else's driver's license or personal identification card:  A fine of not more than $100 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days and suspension of driver's license for a period of 90 days for a first offense, and for a period of 6 months for a second or subsequent offense.

Theft or unlawful possession of a Financial Transaction Card with the intent to use the card:  $1,000 fine and/or 1 year imprisonment.

Financial Transaction Card Fraud :  Use of a FTC with the intent to defraud the issuer - $3,000 to $5,000 fine and/or 5 years imprisonment.

Check Fraud:  The passing of a check by one who knows the account lacks sufficient funds to make the check good or places a stop payment on a check with the intent to defraud in order to obtain money, goods, and/or services.  First offense under $500 can result in a $200 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment.  First offense over $500 can result in a year's imprisonment.  Second offense over $500 can result in a $300 to $500 fine and imprisonment up to 2 years.

Forgery:  Creating or altering a document with intent to defraud.  $500 fine and imprisonment up to 30 days.

Remember:  Your cards are your responsibility.  Keep them with you or lock them up.