Survival Tips for Spring Quarter: Problems with Underage Drinking and Parties in Athens
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Download a PDF version of this handout HERE. Feel free to print and distribute it!
- Keep it under control. Everyone loves a party, but once you open it up to the whole world, you include undercover cops. Have someone check IDs at the door, and keep the kegs in a confined area. (Don’t get charged with “furnishing alcohol to minors”, it is a $500 mandatory fine). Be sure to have soft drinks (you are making the effort to accommodate anyone under 21 without encouraging their drinking). Post an “INVITED GUESTS ONLY” sign.
- Watch the noise. After 10:00 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday and 12:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, a loud party is an invitation for the police and a fine of $100. Give your neighbors a note in advance. Ask them to call you (give phone no.) if the noise bothers them. Remember: A group of people on a porch talking loudly late at night can be charged with “disturbing the peace”. The police do not have to give you a warning first. Know your neighborhood.
- Know your place. Keep your guests from going on the street or sidewalk with open containers. You may want to put up plastic “barriers” so your guests know to stay on your property. Put a sign up advising your guests to empty their cups before leaving and carry them upside down.
- Provide for your guests. Have you thought of bathroom needs? Guests who are tempted to “water” the bushes may face disorderly conduct charges. Consider renting a porta-potty (usually under $100, delivered; 740-385-6552).
- Don’t drink and drive, and do not let drunken guests drive. The alcohol level for most underage drinkers is .02 (about 2 beers for most people)
- Beware the trip home. The police often look for stragglers. If you are stopped close to home, let the police know where you are going.
- Don’t confess. You do not have to tell the officer how old you are. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT, AS LONG AS YOU GIVE HIM YOUR NAME AND WHERE YOU LIVE. (If he arrests you for underage drinking, and did not know your age at the time of arrest, the court may throw the case out. A SECOND UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION CHARGE MAY RESULT IN JAIL TIME!
- Avoid guilt by association. Do not argue with the police. Do not try to resist your arrest. If there are witnesses try to find out their names. Do not follow your friend or go to the police station if you`ve been drinking.
REMEMBER, YOU SHOULD TALK TO A LAWYER FIRST BEFORE PLEADING GUILTY TO A CHARGE.
YOUR LAWYER MAY BE ABLE TO GET THE CHARGE DISMISSED OR REDUCED, BUT ITS MUCH HARDER FOR HIM TO HELP YOU IF YOU’VE ALREADY PLED GUILTY.
THE CENTER FOR STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES DOES NOT ENCOURAGE ANYONE TO VIOLATE THE LAW. WE DO BELIEVE THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND BE FREE FROM UNDUE HARASSMENT.
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