Common Student Offenses

Brief overview for College Students in Auburn and Opelika, Alabama: Understanding Laws and Penalties

Introduction

This guide is designed for college students in Auburn and Opelika to understand common legal violations and their maximum punishments.

Common Legal Violations and Their Implications

Disorderly Conduct

• Overview: Actions causing public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm.
• Penalties: Class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $500 and up to 3 months in jail.

Harassment and Harassing Communications

• Overview: Physical contact or communication intended to harass or alarm.
• Penalties: Both are Class C misdemeanors, punishable by a fine up to $500 each and up to 3 months in jail.

Loitering

• Overview: Engaging in specific activities in public places without a legitimate purpose.
• Penalties: Considered a violation, punishable by a fine up to $200.

Public Intoxication

• Overview: Being under the influence in public to the degree of endangering oneself or others.
• Penalties: A violation with a fine up to $200.

Falsely Reporting an Incident

• Overview: Reporting false incidents involving public safety.
• Penalties: Class A misdemeanor (up to $6,000 fine and/or up to 1 year in jail) or Class C felony (up to $15,000 fine and/or 1 year and 1 day to 10 years in prison) depending on the severity.

Voyeurism (First and Second Degree)

• Overview: Unlawfully photographing or filming a person’s intimate areas without consent.
• Penalties: First-degree voyeurism is a Class C felony (fine up to $15,000 and/or 1 year and 1 day to 10 years in prison), or Class A misdemeanor for offenders 18 or younger; second-degree voyeurism is a Class A misdemeanor (up to $6,000 fine and/or up to 1 year in jail), or Class B misdemeanor for younger offenders.

Legal Awareness and Conduct

• Understanding Consent and Privacy: Importance of consent in interactions and respecting others’ privacy.
• Alcohol and Substance Use: Legal aspects of public intoxication and substance abuse.
• Behavior in Public Spaces: Maintaining lawful conduct in public places.

Seeking Legal Assistance

If faced with legal issues, students should seek knowledgeable legal representation.

Contact Vaughn Defense

For legal advice or representation, I am here to assist college students.

Conclusion

Awareness of these laws and their penalties is crucial for college students to foster a safe, respectful community.

Nothing in this guide should be construed as legal advice or the establishment of an attorney client relationship. For more information about anything contained on this page, please contact me to discuss.