While this blog is dedicated to informing the public about the ramifications and consequences of DUI’s— Driving under the Influence—there are other alcohol-related, non-motor vehicle offenses that can jeopardize future aspirations and wreak havoc on someone’s personal life as well, especially for college-aged children. According to statistics, the majority of college freshmen drink more than 5 alcoholic beverages per week, which can ultimately lead to a number of problems. While the penalties of being charged with a DUI in college has already previously been highlighted in detail, below is a list of three additional drinking crimes that can affect students, even those that are of the legal drinking age.
1. Minor in Possession. Like the name suggests, anyone who is a minor (which means under the legal drinking age of 21) is subject to face legal action if caught with the possession of an alcoholic beverage—this includes not only being caught consuming an alcoholic beverage, but also simply holding a bottle (empty or fully) or “appearing” to be intoxicated. Punishment varies within each state, but to give you a ball park figure, if a minor that has a blood alcohol content of .01 percent in New Jersey is charged with an MPI, he or she is subject to face several consequences, including up to a $500 fine and possibly up to six months of jail time. In addition, most MPI offenders are required to enroll in an alcohol awareness program and/or be placed on probation. If you are caught in a motor vehicle, however, be prepared to face additional punishment, including having your driver’s license suspended for about 6 months. If you’re 17 years old or younger, your license suspension will be extended. Category of Crime: Misdemeanor Offense. If someone is injured or killed, the crime is automatically pushed to a felony.
2. Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. Those who are of the legal drinking age and voluntarily serve a minor an alcoholic beverage— or even just simply gives them “easy access” to alcohol, meaning for example a 21 –year-old host makes it available at his or her party filled with 19-year-old guests— is committing a crime and is subject to being ticketed up to a $1,000 fine. Depending on whether anyone is injured or not, you may also face up to six months in jail. Category of Crime: Misdemeanor Offense
3. Public Intoxication. Lastly, no matter if you are of the legal drinking age, if it appears as though you may cause injury to yourself and/or the people around you while in a public area, you can be charged with “drunk and disorderly” conduct. While it varies depending on the severity of the case, this crime is punishable up to a $1,250 fine, 90 days in jail and mandated community service or enrollment in an alcohol awareness program. Often times however, those that don’t fight police officers or cause too much of a scene will just be escorted home and given a fair warning. Category of Crime: Misdemeanor Offense
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This guest post is contributed by Angelita Williams, who writes on the topics of online courses. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: angelita.williams7 @gmail.com.