Nothing looks better on a job application than an extensive criminal record — especially multiple charges for alcohol and drug-related offenses.
“All kinds of bad things can and do happen when a person consumes alcohol,” Athens Police Chief Tom Pyle said.
One of the most common ways a student could build his or her criminal résumé is by getting caught consuming alcohol in public areas or being visibly intoxicated while walking home from parties, Pyle said, adding that drug possession is another top way students get into trouble with the law.
Consumption or possession of alcohol by a person under 21 is a first-degree misdemeanor that can carry up to $1,000 in fines and 180 days in jail, though students are often not punished that harshly, according to Ohio University’s Center for Student Legal Services.
For students tough enough to make it to the big leagues, the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail in Nelsonville is a 15-mile journey from campus that awaits these hangover-hardened heroes.
Those who are looking to get convicted should plead guilty or no contest, because a not guilty plea would allow someone to get legal help that could protect his or her financial aid or reduce the charges against him or her, according to the Center for Student Legal Services.
Those who are arrested for underage consumption of alcohol are typically given the option to undergo a diversion program, which would prevent a criminal charge from being attached to one’s record. But getting caught doing illegal things in town could also invoke repercussions from the university.
Students who are arrested will also be referred to Ohio University’s Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility, previously referred to as the university’s judiciaries.
Possession or use of marijuana or alcohol is a Code B Offense through Community Standards and is punishable by $200 in fines, six to nine months of university probation, two hours of community service and a university-based intervention program.
Disciplinary records kept by Ohio University’s Office of Community Standards can show up when applying to other schools.
But instead of getting arrested, Pyle suggested freshmen not go overboard with their social lives and take time to get acclimated to the college environment.
“My advice to (freshmen) is just to ease into this college experience,” Pyle said. “Get settled into school and then worry about social aspects of school. Let it happen naturally, don’t force it.”
Fast Facts:
Consumption/Possession of alcohol: First-degree misdemeanor. Carries up to 180 days in jail with a fine of up to $1,000. Most first-time offenders get diversion.
The City of Athens Diversion Program:
— $319 in fees
— 90-day period of good behavior; someone who gets a second offense during that period or doesn’t complete the program’s readings, classes and other obligations within the 90-day timeframe will be kicked out of the diversion program and face a first-degree misdemeanor charge.
— Must read Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood, a 2005 memoir written by a young girl who struggled with alcohol abuse since she was 14. Diversion program enrollees have to take a six-question assessment on the book.
— Must complete a three-hour class on alcohol education (the department does not accept the Prime for Life Basics Program offered by Ohio University).
— 12 hours of community service.
— According to the city of Athens’ website
ld3117110@ohiou.edu
