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In my capacity as a student legal advisor, I see many instances where pranks, experiments, misunderstandings or sheer inadvertence by college students result in prosecution for a criminal offense.
As citizens, we are expected to know all of the laws, despite the fact that the legal codes would fill a significant portion of Fogler Library (or a handful of CD’s). To assist you in remaining a law abiding member of society, I have listed below some instances of repeat behavior that have resulted in criminal charges:
* Lighting an object on fire (particularly inside a dorm room) – Potential charges: Arson, criminal mischief.
* Hitting a roommate to get him/her to stop harassing you – Potential charges: assault, disorderly conduct.
* Speeding in excess of 30 mph – Potential charge: Criminal speeding.
* Eating cafeteria food before paying – Potential charge: Theft
* Possession of alcohol by a minor – Potential charge: Possession of alcohol by a minor; illegal transportation of alcohol by a minor.
* Giving a minor a beer – Potential charge: Unlawful furnishing; endangering a child’s welfare.
* Continuing a loud party after the police have visited – Potential charges: Failure to disburse, disorderly conduct.
* Driving after consuming any alcohol if you are under 21 – Potential charges: Driving after consumption
* Burning a copy of the latest CD or downloading songs from the Internet – Potential charge: Federal copyright infringement
It is not my goal to prevent students from having a good time. However, the laws are going to be enforced by the Department of Public Safety and other law enforcement officials. Generally, by the time you see me in the legal aid clinic it is too late to reverse the damage to your criminal record. There are also likely to be ramifications under the Student Conduct Code that may be even more serious than any criminal penalty. Therefore, I encourage you to think before you act and to have a good time within the bounds of the law.
Bangor Daily News