How to Avoid Common Spring Break Offenses
Every year, college students look forward to their spring break. It’s a fun time for soaking up the sun’s rays, hanging out with friends, and going away on vacation. Whether you’re sending your kids off with their friends or are going on vacation yourself, it is important to keep safety in mind. Avoiding disastrous situations will keep you out of trouble.
Unfortunately, spring break is also a time when many individuals make bad decisions and get in trouble with the law. Here are some of the most common crimes individuals engage in while vacationing over spring break. Keep these in mind so you can avoid issues with the police and enjoy your holiday.
Underage Possession of Alcohol
If a person is under 21 years old, it’s illegal for them to drink or even possess alcohol. If police catch them with an alcoholic beverage in their hands, that’s considered underage possession of alcohol. Someone can face this charge without even being given a breathalyzer test.
Possession of a Controlled Substance
A person can easily get caught with marijuana or other controlled substances while others are smoking in vehicles, hotel rooms, and other places while away on spring break. If there is a smell of pot in the air, it gives police probable cause to perform a search. This can result in charges of possession of a controlled substance, which can adversely affect their college life as they can lose their financial aid. The state can also revoke a driver’s license for these charges.
DWI or Underage Drinking and Driving
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or underage drinking is a massive problem during spring break. A person can receive a DWI charge even if they are not driving a vehicle but are merely sleeping in it with the keys in the ignition. Additionally, any motor vehicle can have a DWI charge, not just a car. This includes boats, motorcycles, jet skis and more.
Common Laws People Break on Vacation
Spring break is a time when it’s known these offenses occur more, which is why many destinations increase their security at this time of year. Visitors should be aware of the traffic laws and speed limits in the state they are visiting. Increased patrol can result in more traffic stops. If people use common sense, they can avoid legal issues. It’s wise to do the following before spring break:
- Check the laws of your destination and any state you’re passing through
- Driver’s licenses, registration, and insurance should all be up to date
- Avoid federally known illegal activities
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia in open areas that are visible give police reason to search property without a warrant or consent
- Know your rights, such as the right to remain silent
- Stay calm when a police officer approaches. You should give basic information and follow any instructions. If necessary, contact a lawyer to learn more about their rights
If you have teenagers that are going on a spring break trip with their friends, it is a good idea to remind them that the use of another person’s ID is a misdemeanor offense. If they use a fake ID that was illegally made, they could get arrested on felony charges. Also, if a person is visibly intoxicated in a public place, they can be arrested for public intoxication or disorderly conduct. This includes areas such as public pools and the beach.
Finding an Experienced Orlando Defense Attorney
When an emergency does happen, you want to make sure you contact legal help right away. Many of these offenses are serious and could have severe ramifications if left unaddressed. The Umansky Law Firm has over 100 years of experience fighting criminal charges in Central Florida defending residents and tourists alike. Anyone who is facing legal trouble can call our office or fill out our contact form to speak to an attorney.
