Quote:
Originally posted by valkyrie
I really don't get it. Is it a crime to be in the presence of alcohol there? I mean, if you're at a restaurant and someone at the next table has wine, can you be arrested? What if you're at the drug store and you accidentally happen into the liquor aisle? Will a cop pounce on you and drag you down to the station?
It sounds like sheer stupidity to me. As far as I'm concerned, in judicial proceedings (and I know this isn't a criminal matter as far as the school is concerned) the complaining party has the BURDEN OF PROOF. That would mean that whoever is complaining here has to prove that you all were intoxicated, and without evidence like breathalyzer test results or testimony of a police officer who personally witnessed anyone exhibiting signs of intoxication, I really don't see how they can prove anything but that you were there.
If I were in your place, I'd try to read up on the procedures used at these hearings. The only problem is that it kind of sounds like they're making up the rules as they go along -- like denying you a jury of your peers. However, if there are procedures outlined somewhere (like in a student judicial code) you all should familiarize yourself with them, and do what you can to make sure that they are being followed to the letter. My only question is that if they're not, to whom can you turn for help? Maybe an ombudsman or something, if your school has one?
If there are any local greek alumni in the area who are attorneys, you may want to give them a call and see if they can help you. They may not be able to help you at the actual hearing, but maybe they can help you understand the procedure and the law and give you ideas as to what to do to protect yourself. It really sounds to me like you guys are getting screwed.
P.S. Have there been criminal charges brought against those of you who were just there?
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Good advice. Indeed.
I would also bet the school is just trying harassment. Ya'll could always sue the school for that... Often schoosl will throw their weight around to intimidate you. They also could charge you with their "Being in the presence of alcohol" crap. That you cant deny...you were there.
We dotn party like that on campus, you can even drink on campus if you are 21. The most the cops ever do here is give ya an MIP (Minor in Posession), pour out the booze and you go to court and get 6 mos. probation and a stupid class. Its not handled by the school. Now the school has a Zero tolerance ploicy when it comes to pot. Thats AUTOMATIC expulsion. No questions asked. But you have to be really stupid to smoke out in the dorms ON STATE PROPERTY. I like that they throw those kids out. Makes the school that much smarter.
Were fortunate, our school loves greeks. They see us as the key to a "more traditional campus" and we are very aware how fortunate we are.
I dotn know what to tell you. Other than to SERIOUSLY consult an attourney about your rights. Good luck.