Student Rights
by Stacy Jones
Staff Writer
A few weeks ago Detective Brian Haller gave a presentation to the senior class about the rights we have as students. For those of you sophomores and juniors who did not attend, here’s the scoop:
Does the school have the right to search my stuff?
Yes, the administration of the school has the right to search your car and your locker as long as there is probable cause (reasonable suspicion) that you may be found with something illegal. Not fair you say? Just look around. Signs posted around locker bays, the student handbook, and the form you sign to get a parking permit all state this right.
Will I get in trouble for fighting?
Most definitely. If you throw just one punch you can expect at least a five day suspension. The only exception is if you are defending yourself. It is okay to protect yourself, but if you try to harm another person you WILL get in trouble.
What about senior prank?
Yes, you can get in trouble for a senior prank. So no hurting animals, underclassmen, or school property.
Can I call myself off of school when I turn 18?
If you are living alone and working enough to support yourself, then yes, you can call yourself off of school.
What are the rules of underage drinking and OVI?
If you are under the age of 21 and you get caught sharing the cost of, attempting to buy, possessing, or consuming alcohol you can receive a maximum fine of $1000 and/or six months in jail. Exceptions to this rule are if you are accompanied by your own parents or legal guardian or spouse of legal age. If you are underage and charged with an OVI (previously called a DUI) you can receive 90 days in jail, 72 hours of treatment classes, 16 hours of community service, a $550 fine plus court costs, and 6 months of suspended license.
What shouldn’t I say if I get pulled over?
Detective Haller gave us some definite no-no’s of being pulled over. DO NOT get out of the car. DO NOT try to hide anything. And DO NOT say the following to the police officer: “Don’t you have anything better to do?”, “Wow, you must have been going pretty fast to keep up with me!”, “Sorry, my radar isn’t plugged in”, or, of course, anything involving pigs or donuts.