There are many ways to get arrested Halloween weekend, but the mayor, police chief and Athens legal representatives offered just as many ways to avoid it.
Keep the noise ordinance in mind and don't hold a beer on a sidewalk
said Pat McGee, managing attorney for the Center for Student Legal Services.
Mayor Ric Abel suggested walking in groups with designated pedestrians if you have been drinking.
If you do drink have sober friends that can control you Athens Police Chief Richard Mayer said. We are more likely to let you go if we think your friends can get you home.
Chelsea Kertz, of Promoting Ohio University Wellness Education Responsibility and Students Defending Students, agreed, advising that students don't draw attention to themselves for both safety and legal protection.
The majority of the people we will see at SDS [after this weekend] will be people that were walking around by themselves
Kertz said. Travel in groups ' that goes for safety
too.
Both Kertz and CSLS mentioned that politeness is key, but students are not forced to show drivers' licenses to police. If asked for an ID, they don't need to show one that reveals their age.
You can show them an OU I.D.
a library card
anything with your name on it
Kertz said.
If stopped by the police, students need not stay to talk unless they are in custody
and are not forced to answer questions, other than to identify themselves, unless they have already been arrested.
Ask if you're under arrest
Kertz advised. If not
you can leave.
To prevent arrests at house parties, she said to avoid public sidewalks and the yard. If throwing a party, students should monitor who comes in and their ages, CSLS said.
A party can be labeled a nuisance if a police officer records four or more instances of criminal law violation there, according to an ordinance passed by Athens City Council. If a party is declared a nuisance, it can be shut down and its host can be cited with a minor misdemeanor and fined.
Use common sense with drinking and know your limits
