How Can I Protect Myself From “Guilt by Assocation” Alcohol Charges in College?

Published January 15, 2011

Question by Alex: How can I protect myself from “guilt by assocation” alcohol charges in college?
Hi, I’m going to be a freshman in the University of Wisconsin system next year, and I just read a part of their rules and guidelines stating that,
“All people present in a room or area where an alcohol violation has occurred will be considered in violation, whether or not they have personally consumed alcohol” Needless to say, that also comes with a $ 250 dollar fine.

Now my issue with this is, lets say I’m in the common area with 30 other people and one or two of them are drinking alcohol, or worse, someone spikes what should be a non alcoholic drink at the party (I.e. punch? We’ve all seen it in the movies, and we all know someone who’s been victim to such a prank).

In such an instance, how would such a policy apply? I’m almost tempted to go to a different school just because of this policy. Possibility of a 250 dollar fine and revocation of financial aid because I wasn’t able to keep tabs on 30 people or perform a continual chemical analysis of the drinks offered at a party?

Anyone got any ideas how to protect myself from these scenarios aside from barricading myself inside my dorm room for 4 years? If such a scenario happened, and I was presumed guilty by association, how would I fight such an issue with a chance of winning?

Major plus if anyone, especially a policeman or attorney, more so with experience in Wisconsin law, can answer this for me.

Thanks in advance!
(And sorry about how I always think of what if!)

Best answer:

Answer by trooper3316
I suspect there is quite a bit of discretion when it actually comes to enforcing that policy. If you check with some current students there, I would bet that is only enforced when you have knowledge of the drinking.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!