4 Offenses College Students Commonly Commit

College is an exciting time for young adults. It's a chance to experiment with their newfound independence. It's also a time to make important decisions, such as what career path to pursue. Students who want to make the most of their time in college need to study hard. Along with excelling academically, many college students also focus on their social lives.

As college students meet academic, social, and professional goals, the last thing a college student needs is legal trouble. When a college student is convicted of a crime, it tarnishes their record and, in some cases, can even get them expelled from school.

If you're in college, or the parent of a college student, here are 4 offenses to be aware of that are commonly committed by college students.

1. DISORDERLY CONDUCT

When a college student's behavior causes a disturbance or leads to a non-peaceful event, they can get charged with disorderly conduct. This charge is also referred to as “disturbing the peace.” Disorderly conduct usually happens when groups of people act out of order due to intoxication.

In the state of Wisconsin, a disorderly conduct charge usually occurs when a person yells obscenities, makes excessive noise, or behaves in a manner that upsets those around them. When a college student engages in violent or abusive behavior that provokes others, they could be charged with disorderly conduct.

In Wisconsin, a disorderly conduct charge is considered a Class B misdemeanor. College students who are convicted with disorderly conduct may spend up to 90 days in jail. They may also need to pay a fine of up to $1,000.

2. UNDERAGE DRINKING

Many college students are living on their own for the first time ever. Their new independence, combined with peer pressure, can cause them to take part in illegal acts, such as underage drinking. Underage drinking is not considered a criminal offense in Wisconsin. If convicted, they will need to pay a fine.

Students may also need to participate in a supervised work program or do community service. If a college student has or uses a fake ID, they might have to pay a fine of up to $1,250. They might also get their driver's license suspended for up to 90 days.

Multiple underage drinking violations could result in the college student losing their driving license, which will negatively affect their driving record. This could easily result in higher car insurance rates. College students who are convicted of underage drinking are also at risk for losing scholarships.

3. OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED

In Wisconsin, anyone who operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be convicted of operating while intoxicated (OWI). Operating a vehicle does not necessarily mean driving one. Operating a vehicle includes sitting in the driver's seat while the engine is running.

College students who are at a party or bar and need to get home are often tempted to just get in the car and drive. It is especially tempting if they have had just a few drinks and do not feel drunk. However, anytime a college student is out drinking, they should always have a designated driver.

If they are by themselves, they should call a cab or have a friend come get them. College students under the age of 21 who are convicted of an underage OWI will get a $200 fine and their license revoked for 3 months. Penalties in Wisconsin for students over the age of 21 include:

• First offense. A fine of up to $300 and license revoked for up to 9 months.
• Second offense. A fine of up to $1,100, up to 6 months in jail, and license revoked for up to 18 months.
• Third offense. A fine of up to $2,000, up to one year in jail, and license revoked for up to 3 years.

College students over the age of 21 who are convicted of an OWI will need to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation. They might also need to do community service.

4. SIMPLE POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

Marijuana use among college students is at its highest levels ever. College students who are convicted of simple possession of marijuana could face up to 6 months in jail with a maximum fine of up to $1,000.

The first offense is considered a misdemeanor. A second offense is considered a Class I felony. Besides a fine and jail time, college students with a drug-related charge on their record could also face the loss of federal grants and loans.

If you are a college student who faces a charge for any of the above offenses, Contact Cohen Law Offices. We understand how catastrophic it is for a college student to be convicted of a crime. This is why we offer student defense legal counsel in Chippewa Falls, WI. Our legal team has been giving students hope for a bright future for nearly 30 years.