SectionsStay in the sun and out of jail this spring break
Jennifer Hollis & Barry Pfeiffer
Issue date: 3/16/07 Section: News
While spring break is about having fun during a week off from class, students who plan on traveling abroad may want to consider what is at risk before leaving the country.
They could get caught in a tight spot or be victimized while away.
When preparing to leave for spring break, students need to consider the laws of their destination so they do not commit a crime. At the same time, students must be aware that crime can happen to them.
Natalee Ann Halloway, an 18-year-old from Birmingham, Ala., is an example of why students should take precautions when traveling abroad.
According to the Natalee Halloway Web site, she went missing on May 30, 2005, in Aruba. She was last seen leaving a nightclub with three local young men.
Halloway was in Aruba with other senior classmates of Mountain Brook High School celebrating their graduation. She has yet to be found.
Springfield Police Public Inoformation Officer Grant Story said if a student does not trust a situation they should avoid it. "Students just need to go back to the common sense factor," he said.
But, students should also be aware of the crimes they may commit. In fact, it's easier to commit a crime in other countries than one thinks.
One popular destination is the islands of the Caribbean and the hot spots of Mexico.
According to the U.S. Department of State's Web site, American citizens who travel to Mexico are subject to Mexican law.
"Mexican law can impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the United States," the Web site says. "U.S. citizenship in no way exempts one from full prosecution under the Mexican criminal justice system."
Actions punishable under Mexican law include littering, driving under the influence, disturbing the peace, drinking on public transportation or on the street, obscene or insulting remarks and lewd or indecent behavior.
Even carrying a pocket knife into Mexico can result in a weapons charge. The Web site says, "Mexico imposes harsh penalties for bringing as little as one bullet across its borders."
They could get caught in a tight spot or be victimized while away.
When preparing to leave for spring break, students need to consider the laws of their destination so they do not commit a crime. At the same time, students must be aware that crime can happen to them.
Natalee Ann Halloway, an 18-year-old from Birmingham, Ala., is an example of why students should take precautions when traveling abroad.
According to the Natalee Halloway Web site, she went missing on May 30, 2005, in Aruba. She was last seen leaving a nightclub with three local young men.
Halloway was in Aruba with other senior classmates of Mountain Brook High School celebrating their graduation. She has yet to be found.
Springfield Police Public Inoformation Officer Grant Story said if a student does not trust a situation they should avoid it. "Students just need to go back to the common sense factor," he said.
But, students should also be aware of the crimes they may commit. In fact, it's easier to commit a crime in other countries than one thinks.
One popular destination is the islands of the Caribbean and the hot spots of Mexico.
According to the U.S. Department of State's Web site, American citizens who travel to Mexico are subject to Mexican law.
"Mexican law can impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the United States," the Web site says. "U.S. citizenship in no way exempts one from full prosecution under the Mexican criminal justice system."
Actions punishable under Mexican law include littering, driving under the influence, disturbing the peace, drinking on public transportation or on the street, obscene or insulting remarks and lewd or indecent behavior.
Even carrying a pocket knife into Mexico can result in a weapons charge. The Web site says, "Mexico imposes harsh penalties for bringing as little as one bullet across its borders."
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