Falsifying photographs or fingerprints when applying for an ACO license is what type of crime?

• A. Misdemeanor
• B. Infraction
• C. Violation
• D. Felony

Answer: (D)

Falsifying information to obtain a license is treated as a serious fraud against the licensing authority. When you lie about who you are, or tamper with documents like photos or fingerprints to pass a background check, you’re undermining the regulator’s ability to protect the public. California treats this kind of deception in the licensure process as a felony because it involves fraud against the government and poses real risk to public safety.

Infractions are minor violations with small fines, and misdemeanors are less severe offenses with lighter penalties. A deception that defeats a background check for a credential that allows someone to operate in a regulated security field is far more serious, thus categorized as a felony.