Here are some of the most common things Student Legal Services (SLS) has found that students get in trouble for during football games.
Underage drinking or drugs
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Consuming alcohol or consuming marijuana if you are under 21 can result in a Minor in Possession (MIP) criminal charge. A first offense will likely lead to an administrative ticket for violating the Student Code of Conduct. Students who are found responsible for underage substance use may also be assigned an alcohol or drug education class.
In the case of a second offense, you will likely need to go to court. Any court penalties would include a fee imposed by the court, in addition to fees for more classes and community service. For third and higher offenses, court cases are likely to result in conviction and higher penalties. You could also face consequences surrounding your driver’s license.
On any level of offense, if you’re found to be possessing drugs, the penalties could impact your student loans or immigration status.
If you do plan to drink or use other drugs, make sure to check out these tips to look out for your friends.
Driving while intoxicated
Driving in the busy traffic before and after a CU Buffs football game can be tricky enough without adding alcohol or other substances into the mix. You should know that it is illegal in Colorado to drive or even ride a bike while impaired by alcohol, drugs or both.
If you are suspected of driving while intoxicated, you could be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI). You will likely go to court and if convicted, face probation supervision, classes, hefty fees to the court, community service and reimbursement for any damage caused. This could end up being thousands of dollars. There may also be penalties surrounding your driver’s license, such as revoking it, or mandating a breathalyzer in your car. In very aggravated situations, jail time could also be an outcome.
To avoid all this and stay safe, make a plan before heading out for how you are getting to and from gametime events if you are drinking. If you don’t have a designated driver, CU Boulder students can take public transportation with your RTD pass or the free service CU NightRide in the evening. Services like Uber, Lyft and other rideshares are also a great option.
Rushing the field
In the moment of a big win, excitement is high. We’ve all seen the videos of people rushing the field afterwards. However, rushing the field can be considered trespassing, so you should focus on other ways to celebrate instead. Students charged with trespassing will likely need to face a judge in court. A conviction could lead to court penalties including, but not limited to, probation services, fees to the court and community service.
Breaking or stealing things
This should go without saying, but do not break or take things that don’t belong to you. If you are charged, you will likely need to go to court and could face probation, fees to the court, community service and reimbursement for the broken and/or stolen items—all of which you must pay for.
It’s also important to remember that a theft case on your record can have big impacts on your future. It can get in the way of future jobs, far more often than many other types of cases, and cause visa issues for international students.
Overdrinking at the game
If you are deemed unable to care for yourself during the game, you could be taken into protective custody and transported to the detox center. You would remain there until deemed to be sober. While this does help keep students safe, people who are sent to the detox center are responsible for any charges they incur during their stay. These centers typically cost several hundred dollars.