Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Unfortunately, reality does not offer any “get out of jail free” cards. The best thing college students can do is learn how to avoid trouble instead of waiting until it is too late. I sat down and spoke with Frank Kerney, a lawyer with the firm Taracks Gomez & Rickman, who pinpointed the most common legal issues that college students run into along with some helpful tips.
“I just thought maybe we could bring some exposure to issues, so hopefully students take precaution to make sure they don’t get in any trouble this semester,” Kerney said.
“One of the biggest charges we see is DUI’s,” Kerney said. “In Hillsborough County alone, there are close to 5,000 DUI arrests every year and so, obviously, the number one precaution is that students should save the number [of], you know, local cab companies or Über or Lyft so they can get a safer ride whenever possible.”
Luckily, local taxi companies have an agreement with UT to keep cab fares to a low flat rate of $3 per student. Rest assured that you can have a safe ride home by keeping a few bucks in your pocket and a cab number in your phone. If you happen to be walking around like the average, broke college student you can pay low fares with Lyft or Über which operate through apps. Although they are not included in the $3 flat rate agreement, these are great companies to use outside of Tampa.
The Bobby Fuller Four said it best when they sang, “I fought the law and the law won.” Despite one’s best efforts and intentions, trying to talk an officer out of a ticket or an arrest can result in a much worse outcome.
“The best thing you can do is keep your mouth shut and get yourself an attorney when you get out of jail – if you are taken to jail,” Kerney said. “Nobody talks their way out of it. Keep your mouth shut and hire an attorney the next day.”
As stated in your Miranda Rights, a person has the right to remain silent. This is a measure that protects a person from self-incrimination.
“Don’t call attention to yourself, don’t get to the point where you’re going to call out the police to come over and pay attention to you,” Kerney said.
Underage drinking in Florida comes attached with the possibility of jail time of up to 60 days for a first-time offender. Kerney also wants to let college students know that although a minor possessing an open container of alcohol is no longer considered a criminal offense, it still carries a $75 fine and can result in police searches.
“If you don’t instigate a fight, if you don’t call attention to yourself, you’re not going to suffer the consequences,” said Julie Minevich, a graduate student in the master of science exercise and nutrition science program.
The most important thing to remember is: while partying is a part of the college experience, students need to stay out of easily avoidable and dangerous situations that could jeopardize future job interviews and relationships.
“You just have to know your limits,” said Kristian Givens, a freshman with a major in Secondary Education Social Studies. “Just don’t do [the] one little thing that can ruin many things in your future.”
Kerney wants to let students know that if they find themselves in need of legal assistance, they can call 813-951-8278 for a free and confidential consultation.
Bianca Lopez can be reached at bianca.lopez@spartans.ut.edu