Colleges around the country are actively taking measures to reduce the number of underage drinking incidents on their campuses.  Many schools have completely eliminated the use of alcohol during fraternity and sorority recruitment.  Some, monitor the tailgating activities that involve alcohol and some have even banned outdoor activities that involved alcohol in the past.

Of course, Universities are powerless to prevent students from drinking before the legal age.  However, they are not powerless when it comes to the reprimanding of the individuals that have violated the state drinking laws and campus rules.

Common rules at these colleges are:

  • Alcohol consumption by underage students is prohibited and can result in expulsion
  • Excessive alcohol consumption by any student is considered a major infraction against the institution’s Code of Conduct
  • Students caught drinking underage or arrested while excessively intoxicated may be required to attend an alcohol abuse class, be suspended or even expelled
  • Additional charges if it’s a school sponsored event

Students caught drinking before their twenty-first birthday, and those caught providing alcohol to people under 21, could face these penalties:

  • A first degree misdemeanor
  • Imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of $1,000
  • Imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of $1,000

A contributing factor to the need for stricter underage drinking policies is the diversified campus population, which is comprised of both teenagers entering freshman semesters and grad students who are well beyond the legal drinking age. The eclectic mix of age groups often blurs the lines between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors – especially once alcohol is added to the mix.

Some younger students often feel compelled to “prove themselves” to their older peers by indulging in alcoholic beverages, which they believe will make them appear more mature. Others, who are experiencing life beyond the watchful eyes of their parents for the first time, are prone to binge drinking and testing the limits of their newfound freedoms. In either situation, state laws and campus codes are being broken.

The aggressive measures being taken across the country are primarily for the sake of student safety. A great number of preventable campus crimes that occur each year are directly related to alcohol and drinking to excess. Newly found freedoms, peer pressures and the desire to fit in can all influence younger students to make impulsive choices.

Those choices shouldn’t have to follow the student throughout his life.  Young, and free and impulsivity needs to be taken into account.  If your child has been arrested for underage drinking during a college event or on-campus party, here in Ohio, contact a defense attorney to see what your choices are. 

While consequences for underage drinking are severe for Ohio State students, a savvy and aggressive lawyer can possibly prevent you from facing the worst penalties. Call me anytime. I can help .  513-260-2099