Below is a list of offenses for which UA students are most frequently cited or arrested, along with the typical fine or sentence for a first offense. Subsequent offenses can cost much more, including jail time or probation.
For most of these offenses, you may not be arrested but instead may receive a citation. A citation works like a traffic ticket: there’s a fine to pay, and a court appearance may be required. Police officers may choose to arrest uncooperative or disorderly people. The information here is subject to change but will provide you with an idea of the issues that can be created by one of these charges.
1. DUI
Driving under the influence is the offense of driving, operating or being in control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs to a level that renders the driver incapable of operating a motor vehicle safely. A single DUI offense can result in a cost that may exceed $2,100. If there’s an accident, it can be much worse. There is a required sobriety hold with this arrest.
DUI facts you should know:
- You don’t have to be driving to be in convicted of DUI — being in physical control of the vehicle (sitting in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition) is enough.
- Even on a first DUI offense, jail time may be given, especially when there’s an accident or a high blood-alcohol level.
- For people who are between 18 and 20, the legal blood-alcohol level is .02 percent.
2. PUBLIC INTOXICATION
If you are in any public place exhibiting any behavior that indicates you are intoxicated either by alcohol or drugs, you will be arrested for this offense. The cost of a public intoxication arrest may exceed $475. Offenders must also have to attend a drug or alcohol abuse program and pay the program cost. When you are arrested for public intoxication, you will be required to stay in jail until you become sober.
3. OPEN BEVERAGE CONTAINERS
It is illegal in Tuscaloosa to carry an open alcoholic beverage in public, except at certain times in the downtown entertainment area. It is also illegal to drive a car with an open alcoholic beverage. This ordinance includes cups, bottles and cans and applies equally to party-goers and bar patrons. A violation may cost over $300 if issued a citation and in excess of $400 if arrested.
4. IMPROPER IDENTIFICATION BY A MINOR (FAKE ID)
Improperly identifying yourself may cost you over $300 if issued a citation and over $475 if arrested. It can also result in the suspension of your driver’s license for 90 days.
5. MINOR IN POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL (MIP)
If you’re under 21 and you’ve got alcohol, it could cost you at least $400 if issued a citation and in excess of $475 if arrested. If you’re over 21 read items 6 and 7 below.
6. SALE OF ALCOHOL TO MINORS
Anyone who is caught selling alcohol to someone under the age of 21 can expect to pay more than $750 if issued a citation for a first offense, and more than $825 if arrested. A second offense could include jail time plus a fine.
7. ADULT ALLOWING MINORS TO CONSUME OR POSSESS ALCOHOL AT AN OPEN HOUSE PARTY
Any adult cited for this offense must appear in court and may be fined over $750. If arrested, it could cost you over $825.
8. LITTERING.
Litter, in this case, includes cigarettes, cups, cans and bottles, as well as anything else you might toss aside. If you are caught littering, you could pay in excess of $825, plus a fine set by a judge. Littering from a vehicle could cost you over $350.
9. FAILING TO MOW YOUR GRASS
A Tuscaloosa city ordinance makes it unlawful for any person owning, residing in or on, or having charge or control of any premises within the city to allow weeds and grass to exceed 12 inches in height. Violators may be fined over $250 if issued a citation and in excess of $325 if arrested or summonsed.
10. NOISE ORDINANCE VIOLATION
If your neighbors can hear your TV, music or voice, they can call the police. A citation may cost you over $350 and an arrest could cost you in excess of $425.
11. PARKING
You can’t park just anywhere, especially on your own or anyone else’s lawn, in front of a neighbor’s driveway, too far away from the curb, or in a no-parking zone. Obtain any permits you need, both on and off campus, as early as possible. Tuscaloosa parking fines generally run from $50 to $100.
12. FALSE OR NUISANCE FIRE ALARMS
False reports may result in community service hours and/or fines up to $500 plus restitution.
13. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence encompasses household members that are related, married or in a dating relationship. These offenses typically result in the arrest of one of the involved parties, and require a mandatory court appearance and a 24-hour stay in jail.
14. TRESPASSING
Some local parks have specific opening and closing hours. Time spent in these parks outside of those hours is trespassing. Pay attention to warning signs at spillways and dams also. A trespassing offense may cost over $325.
15. FAILURE TO REMOVE GARBAGE CARTS FROM CURB
If you live in an off-campus residence that has a garbage cart, leaving the garbage cart on the street for more than 24 hours after your regular pickup day could cost you more than $300.
Along with fines and incarceration for violating any law, you may be issued a Student Non-Academic Misconduct citation (SNAM) for any violation of the UA Student Code of Conduct. You may be asked to address your misconduct with the Office of Student Conduct, even though it did not occur on campus. Possible sanctions include a warning, probation, loss of privileges, fines, discretionary sanctions, residential housing suspension or expulsion, or University student status suspension or expulsion.