Enjoy ‘Halloweekend,’ but be aware of the risks

One of Penn State’s rowdiest weekends is fast approaching. Known as “Halloweekend,” PSU students let loose for several days surrounding the holiday, packing bars and apartments for hours and hours of partying.

It would be silly to think that everyone drinking cheap beer and mixed drinks over this weekend will be 21 years of age or older. Peer pressure, being away from mom and dad and cutting loose from the stress of class all contribute to underage drinking on college campuses, and Penn State students are no exception.

Unfortunately, many underage students are also filled with a feeling of invincibility. They may think, “I’m surrounded by other people underage who are drinking too, nothing is going to happen to me.” While that may be the case a lot of the time on college campuses, there is no telling when police will zero in on you.

Here are some important things to remember before you head out for Halloweekend:

• While police may tend to let some underage drinking slide, they definitely pay attention to people who are acting drunk and disorderly in public.
• Using a fake ID is against the law, and you can be arrested for it.
• Police are likely to utilize roadside checkpoints to check for drunk drivers around Halloween. Remember to stay sober if you are driving.
• Remember that you have the right to remain silent if police arrest or question you. You will not be able to talk your way out of anything.

Remember that actions have consequences, no matter your age. That means, in addition to criminal punishment, an arrest could lead to academic consequences, including suspension or expulsion. That makes the need for an experienced criminal defense attorney almost mandatory, no matter how “minor” you think the matter is.