Starting high school and later attending college mark two of the biggest accomplishments in your teens and early twenties. During this time in your life, you will likely go through a period of adventure and growth. While these exciting experiences form the foundation for your newfound adulthood, they also may hinder you should you find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
Whether you yourself are a student or have a loved one who is in school, read up on the following to avoid committing these three common student crimes.
1. Vandalism
Some students treat vandalism or property damage in general as a form of entertainment. Vandalizing school or public property can take many forms such as smashing windows, defacing furniture and painting on walls. If directed at a particular religion, race or another protected group, the vandalism charges may also escalate to a hate crime.
2. Underage drinking
The drinking age is common knowledge but most Texans do not realize the hefty penalty for underage drinking. Consequences include loss of your driver’s license, mandatory community service and an alcohol awareness course plus fines up to $500. Underage drinking charges cover acts such as drinking, buying, attempting to buy and possessing alcoholic beverages. Minors with multiple drinking offenses face even steeper consequences.
3. Disorderly conduct
A disorderly conduct charge means that the prosecutors need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you created a public disturbance which then led to your arrest. Under Texas law, uttering language or making an offensive gesture in public that incites an immediate breach of the peace is disorderly conduct. Other examples include fights with another and making unreasonable noise in a public place.
Overall, being careful with your conduct as a student and young adult can help avoid future legal ramifications.