SectionsStay in the sun and out of jail this spring break
Jennifer Hollis & Barry Pfeiffer
Issue date: 3/16/07 Section: News
But many of the offenses students may commit, may involve one thing: alcohol.
According to the Web site, "Alcohol is involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, rapes, and deaths suffered by American students on spring break."
Consumption can lead to problems the offender will face with Mexican authorities.
Drugs are also an issue. Each year 2,500 Americans are arrested overseas on a drug-related charge, according to the Web site.
"It is your responsibility to know what the drug laws are in a foreign country before you go, because 'I didn't know it was illegal' will not get you out of jail," the Web site says.
The use, importation, possession, or purchase of drugs in Mexico is illegal.
The Web site says that penalties to breaking this law include "imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is tried, and imprisonment of several years following a conviction." In Mexico, everyone over 16 is tried as an adult.
For students who plan to drive in Mexico, the State Department encourages drivers to have a valid I.D. with them at all times. Mexican law requires the owner of the car to be driving or in the car at all times.
Breaking this law may result in losing the car. "The car may be seized by Mexican customs and will not be returned under any circumstances," the Web site says.
The State Department offers this advice if citizens have problems with Mexican authorities: "If U.S. citizens find themselves in legal trouble, they should contact the closest U.S. Consulate, U.S. Consular Agency, or the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City."
Students don't have to go to out of the country to worry about crime. Many students will be staying at home or visiting places within the U.S. Unfortunately, crime does not take a spring break.
Story said precautions should still be taken the moment a student begins their spring break.
He said people should lock away their valuables in a safe deposit box before leaving.
According to the Web site, "Alcohol is involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, rapes, and deaths suffered by American students on spring break."
Consumption can lead to problems the offender will face with Mexican authorities.
Drugs are also an issue. Each year 2,500 Americans are arrested overseas on a drug-related charge, according to the Web site.
"It is your responsibility to know what the drug laws are in a foreign country before you go, because 'I didn't know it was illegal' will not get you out of jail," the Web site says.
The use, importation, possession, or purchase of drugs in Mexico is illegal.
The Web site says that penalties to breaking this law include "imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is tried, and imprisonment of several years following a conviction." In Mexico, everyone over 16 is tried as an adult.
For students who plan to drive in Mexico, the State Department encourages drivers to have a valid I.D. with them at all times. Mexican law requires the owner of the car to be driving or in the car at all times.
Breaking this law may result in losing the car. "The car may be seized by Mexican customs and will not be returned under any circumstances," the Web site says.
The State Department offers this advice if citizens have problems with Mexican authorities: "If U.S. citizens find themselves in legal trouble, they should contact the closest U.S. Consulate, U.S. Consular Agency, or the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City."
Students don't have to go to out of the country to worry about crime. Many students will be staying at home or visiting places within the U.S. Unfortunately, crime does not take a spring break.
Story said precautions should still be taken the moment a student begins their spring break.
He said people should lock away their valuables in a safe deposit box before leaving.
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