Spring Break is right around the corner. If your young adults are headed off to a warm and sunny beach for a week of revelry with their friends, be sure to remind them of important pitfalls they need to avoid on their holiday.

Drinking and Driving

Drinking and driving is a crime everywhere. The penalties vary from state to state and country to country, but there are no light sentences for OUI anymore. Furthermore, if you get in trouble far from home you will have to go back to plead your case. That’s time and money out of your life to travel there and get legal help there. It’s just not worth the risk or the hassle. Ride shares are easily arranged and are an inexpensive option to get where you need to go.

Cell Phone Use

In February 2020, Massachusetts made hands-free only cell phone use the law. Cell phone laws do vary by state, but more and more states have laws on the books about cell phone use. Texting is prohibited in 48 states and in 20 states hand-held cell phone use is banned for all drivers. In most states there are additional laws in place for drivers under 21. Know the laws where you are going and just be smart and put the phone down.

Not Every Thing is Legal Everywhere

Laws surrounding marijuana vary by state, as well. If you are over 21 you may very well have legally purchased it, but if you get on a plane with pot – in any form – you are committing a federal crime and you run a high risk of being stopped. If you are driving to your destination you may be driving through states where it is also a crime to be in possession. The wise choice is to leave it at home.

What Happens on Spring Break Doesn’t Always Stay There

Everyone knows that alcohol can fuel poor choices. Booze, the beach and a sense of freedom and revelry during a break from the routine can sometimes lead college students to impulsive choices about sex. Unwanted sexual advances or sexual acts can result in life-changing accusations when you get back to college. In addition to preventing gender-based discrimination on college campuses, Title IX also addresses sexual harassment, unwanted sexual advances and sexual violence. Thinking about the choices you make before you act on them could save you from being accused of a Title IX violation once you get back to college.

The college years should be fun. Making sure that they stay that way can be as simple as reminding your young adults about these pitfalls so they don’t end up in trouble.

If you or a family member do find themselves in trouble with the law, get legal help immediately. Call or text Contant Law at 617-227-8383.

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