It takes years of studying and hard work to secure enrollment at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) or Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW). Students may feel excited about the opportunity to socialize in a relatively independent environment.
Unlike high school students, who live with their parents and have to follow household rules, college students have far more freedom. They may stay out late at parties and socialize with people that their parents might find unsavory. Party culture is a major component of college experimentation for many students. Staying safe at parties is of the utmost importance.
Students at FGCU or FSW should never go to parties alone and should communicate their plans to people not attending the party. They should be careful about who provides them with drinks and should also consider protecting themselves from legal exposure.
How else can students reduce the risk of a college party leading to criminal charges?
Be cautious about experimenting with substances
The people hosting parties on campus or at off-campus housing may not card everyone who attends the party. They may happily serve alcohol to minors with little consideration of the legal complications that could generate. Students under the age of 21 take a major risk by consuming alcohol at a large social event. If police officers arrive, they may check identifying documents and arrest any attendees who are under the age of 21. Students also need to be aware that experimenting with recreational drugs or abusing prescription medication at a party could also lead to criminal charges.
Have a plan for getting home
Oftentimes, those who attend smaller parties don’t have to worry about the police showing up to break up the event. Instead, their main legal risk relates to returning home after the party. It is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For students under the age of 21, zero tolerance rules put them at risk of drunk driving charges after only a few drinks. Having a designated driver, attending parties within walking distance or reserving funds to pay for a rideshare trip could help prevent criminal incidents.
Don’t give in to dangerous impulses
People at parties may engage in conduct due to social pressure that they might never engaging on their own. They might start a fight with another attendee or harass another student. Conduct at parties can result in people reaching out to law enforcement or even reporting incidents to school authorities. The investigations that follow could have long-term consequences for the students accused of inappropriate conduct.
Being careful to avoid scenarios that could result in drug charges or drunk driving allegations can help FGCU and FWS students continue their education successfully. Young adults facing criminal accusations despite their best efforts often need help responding, and that’s okay. Securing support can benefit students facing on-campus discipline and criminal charges.