How to Stay Out of Trouble for Spring Break.(DISCLAIMER: I am not encouraging or supporting underage drinking or dabbling into illegals substances… As a college student, I’m just trying to help everyone have a safe bring break. I know that there will be people going away and getting involved with the things mentioned in this article and I’m just trying to help everyone be safe and careful… That being said, the 10 tips that are provided in this article are not my own and can be found here)
Among friends this semester, there seems to be a balance between the amount of friends flying off to some warm, beach infested place for 10 days in paradise and the amount of friends who will be sitting on their couches and sleeping until noon every day… That’s right: it’s almost SPRING BREAK!
Though a spring break in paradise—which, at this point in winter, would be anywhere the temperature stays above 50 degrees—would be ideal, it can be tiring. It is intended to be a relaxing time, however college students tend to have a crazier idea of spring break in their minds.
Most college students don’t just spend time relaxing on the beach with a good book. Instead, spring breakers tend to flock to each other and cause all kinds of trouble. But, they have to be sure they’re careful not to end up in cuffs.
During spring break, cops will be even more on the lookout for public disturbances, alcohol or drug-related contraband, and things of the like.
Here are 10 tips from W. David Friesenhahn, a criminal trial lawyer and trial consultant in Texas, to help you stay out of trouble with the cops during spring break.
1. “Do not fail the attitude test with the cop.”
Being disrespectful to a cop is a huge no-no. Be respectful, no matter what mental state you’re in. The cops are doing their jobs and trying to prevent chaos and keep you safe.
2. “Do not lie about your identity or age.”
If a cop is lawfully detaining you and you lie about your age or identity, you can be put in jail. In most cases, lying to a cop will get you in more trouble than the actual offense he or she is questioning you about.
3. “Do not claim ownership of anything that does not belong to you.”If you take ownership of alcohol or drug-related products to a cop because you’re trying to save a friend, you’re just going to get yourself in trouble. If it belongs to you, you should be the one taking the blame for it when you get caught.
4. “Do not consent to a search,”If a cop does not have probable cause the search you, your car, your hotel room, your apartment, etc., he will ask for one. If a cop asks you to consent to a search, decline… You’re legally allowed to say no.
5. “Do not run from the cop(s).”
You’re most likely going to lose that race, especially since the cop(s) would have backup. If anything, it will just get you into more trouble.
6. “Do not refuse to sign the citation.”
If a cop presents you with a ticket or citation to sign, you must sign it. You will not be admitting any sort of guilt by signing it.
7. “Do not drive like an idiot.”If you’re speeding and you have something—anything—in your car that could get you in trouble, stop speeding. Be a safe driver. You can hurt someone else with your bad decisions once you get behind the wheel.
8. “Do not keep illegal items in the interior of your car.”If you can avoid it, do not bring illegal items or substances into your car. However, if you have to, keep it all in the trunk. Cops will most likely realize you are on spring break and will more closely observe the interior of your car—as well as its passengers. Don’t give him or her a reason to search the entire car.
9. “Do not put your hands in your pockets (or reach for the glove box).”
Though it is natural for people to be nervous when they’ve been pulled over, try not to act suspicious. Even if you’re not concealing illegal substances or contraband, do your best to remember to keep your hands in sight, or even on the steering wheel, the whole time.
10. “Do not interfere with a cop detaining another person.”
Simply put: do not interfere with a cop trying to do their job. Whether it be your friends, relative, or just a random person, do not get involved.
Have a safe spring break, collegiettes!