Abrahams Law Blog

Practicing law near several university campuses, a Michigan attorney with experience defending students against “college crimes” will likely represent individuals accused of underage drinking or minor in possession charges. As temperatures warm and with St. Patrick’s Day festivities occurring all week, the number of students under the age of twenty-one ticketed or arrested for drinking will undoubtedly increase. Examples of cases handled are similar to the seven student arrests made at Western Michigan University during a celebration that got out of control.

Like campuses nationwide, students at Western Michigan University held parties to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day–a common college experience. But because many of the participating students are under the age of twenty-one, they could receive Michigan underage drinking charges. At approximately 10:00 a.m., the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety was called in response to noise complaints from large crowds gathering on west campus. Immediately upon seeing the ten responding police officers, students proceeded to throw rocks and bottles at them, ultimately prompting the KDPS to call for back up. By the time new officers arrived, the party had grown to almost one thousand participants.

It was clear to KDPS Assistant Chief Brian Uridge that students were likely breaking the law, however, the goal was to break the party up with as little chaos as possible. “…There was obviously many people who were underage drinking. Our goal was to break up the large crowd into smaller groups and have them go their separate ways.” By the time the police broke up the party, seven people were arrested stemming from ten separate charges, namely assaulting an officer, resisting arrest, and obstructing police. Although parties have been large in years past, Uridge attributes social media sites such as Facebook to this unprecedented bash.

While St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are a common college occurrence, students must remember that drinking underage does make them at risk for being ticketed or arrested. The process of arrest is scary and overwhelming, particularly for a college student. Conviction of underage drinking can carry significant consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, or probation. To prevent this from happening to you, as well as for the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working Michigan lawyer immediately.