Going to college in the Boston area is a big responsibility. Though you may relish the fact that you are no longer under your parents’ direct supervision and are able to make your own decisions, you must be careful about the choices you make. Your age and innocence do not give you a pass to break the law. As a freshman student, you are at the threshold of adulthood and subject to many of the same penalties that grown adults who break the law must face.
It is essential for you to consider the consequences of any situation before you act so you can avoid running afoul of the law. Here are some pointers to consider if you ever find yourself dealing with criminal charges from a college mistake:
Think of your future
As an adult, all it takes is one mistake to derail your future. What might seem like a night of harmless fun could turn into a jail or prison sentence. For example, your colleagues may invite you out to party after a game. If you go and consume alcohol, you could end up with an underage DUI. Or, you could end up facing criminal charges for theft, burglary or some other crime if you are not careful.
Do not take chances
Do not assume you can do something unlawful and get away with it. The average person who drinks and drives does so for at least eight times before being apprehended. Some offenders are not as fortunate and may lose their lives or injure or kill others before getting caught. The penalties are much worse when there is bodily harm or property damage.
Get legal counsel
Most college students go off to school with the intention of partying, completing their studies and graduating. Very few, if any, seek out legal counsel just in case they run into a situation where they might need it. Now is a good time for you and your parents to get familiar with what your legal representation options are just in case you may need them. Sourcing them out now can save valuable time if you ever need to hire an attorney to defend you against college criminal charges.