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A guide for off-campus living

1. Civil action/social host liability  $$$

A civil lawsuit may be brought against anyone 21 or older who has furnished, sold, given or purchased alcohol for a person under 21 whose consumption of alcohol results in injury or harm to an innocent third person.

2. Criminal penalties:

Noisy assembly
Most cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, regulate noise levels and social gatherings that could be considered a nuisance. These ordinances prohibit a person from participating in, visiting, permitting or remaining at a noisy assembly. This is commonly defined as a gathering of more than one person in a residential area -- between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. -- that would be likely to cause significant discomfort or annoyance to a person of normal sensitivities. There could be a violation whether you entertain two friends or 50. Such a violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail whether or not there is alcohol involved, and whether or not you are the host.

Disorderly conduct
This is commonly defined as conduct likely to alarm, anger or disturb others; provoke an assault; or disturb the peace. It includes fighting or engaging in offensive, obscene or abusive language, or in boisterous and noisy conduct that may arouse alarm, anger or resentment of others. Violation of this statute is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail.

Note: This law is broadly interpreted; police will often charge individuals who they believe are being "uncooperative."

Alcohol - Underage consumption, purchasing or possession
Anyone who violates the following provisions may be charged with a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail.   

• Fake I.D. - It is unlawful to give a fictitious name or fake I.D. to a police officer who is acting within his/her duties. It is also unlawful to present a fake I.D. to purchase alcohol.
   

• Purchasing - It is unlawful for someone under 21 to buy -- or attempt to buy -- any alcoholic beverage.
   

• Possession - It is unlawful for a person under 21 to possess an alcoholic beverage with intent to consume it outside his/her parent's or guardian's home.
   

• Furnishing alcohol to persons under 21 - Anyone who buys or furnishes alcohol for a person under 21 is subject to gross misdemeanor charges, a fine up to $3,000 and/or one year in jail.
   

• Driving while intoxicated - It is a misdemeanor to drive, operate or be in control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance or with an alcohol concentration above .10% ($1000 fine/90 days). It is also a crime to refuse chemical testing if you are stopped by police. Refusal results in loss of license for one year. Testing over 10% results in loss of license for 90 days.
   

• Zero tolerance - It is unlawful for anyone under 21 to drive, operate or be in control of a motor vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol. A violation will result in loss of driving privileges for 30 days (the second offense is 180 days) and will become a permanent part of your driving record. 

3. Personal consequences

Having any of the above charges on your record might negatively affect your future. Whether it’s signing a lease for a new apartment, applying for graduate school or being offered a new job, a charge on your record could have lasting consequences.

Note: The above information on alcohol abuse consequences should not be considered legal advice. Contact University Student Legal Services (USLS) to speak with an attorney regarding your rights and responsibilities in a particular situation.

• Before drinking, make sure that you have a secure way of getting home.
   

• Drink no more than one drink per hour (one 12 oz. beer, one 4 to 5 oz. glass of wine, one mixed drink or one shot).
   

• Alternate drinking non-alcoholic beverages (soda, water, juice, etc.).
   

• Never drink on an empty stomach.
   

• Avoid drinks with unknown contents.
   

• Never continue drinking if you have thrown up.
   

• Stop drinking at least one hour before you plan to leave.
   

• Do not drive if you have been drinking.
   

• Know your body -- know the signs -- know yourself.
   

• Know the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and how to get help:
  
  * Person is unconscious or semi-conscious.
  * Person cannot be awakened. 
  * Person has cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin.    
  * Breathing is slow or irregular.    
  * Breathing is less than eight times a minute with 10 seconds or more between breaths.      
  * Person vomits while sleeping or passed out.    
  * Person does not wake up after vomiting.