03/21/2019
Top 10 Legal Tips for Spring Breakers
By Brett Snider, Esq. on March 14, 2014 7:52 AM
Spring Break is almost upon us, and for some it may have already sprung. Whether it's fun in the sun, partying on the slopes, or just a much needed spring cleaning, everyone could use a little spring time off.
But while you're maxin' and/or relaxin' on your Spring Break, don't forget these 10 legal tips:
1. Drink responsibly. Spring Break should be a time to cut loose, but public intoxication and DUI charges are also very real consequences of overdoing your drinking.
2. Curb your herb, bro. Despite the federal government taking it easy on pot crimes, ma*****na is still illegal to possess and smoke in most Spring Break locations.
3. Stay safe in Mexico. Many Spring Breakers will want to head south of the border, down Mexico way this year, but try to remember the quirks of Mexican law.
4. Prepare your business. If you live in a popular Spring Break destination or have young clientele, you may want to brush up on your rights to keep out rowdy Spring Breakers.
5. You may not want to "check in" on social media. Checking in on Twitter, Facebook, FourSquare, or any other social media platform may inadvertently cue burglars into the fact that you're not home.
6. It's Spring Break. Do you know where your children (and grandchildren) are? This may be old news for parents, but knowing your kids' travel plans can also help you avoid scams like the Spring Break "Grandparent Scam," in which a stranger calls to claim that a loved one is in trouble in a foreign country and needs to be wired cash. Not to mention knowing where to pick them up if they're really in trouble.
7. Consider getting a power of attorney, just in case. While you're away on Spring Break, you may want someone else to have the power to make important decisions if you're unreachable -- enter the power of attorney.
8. Avoid Spring Break brawls. Whether you're a patron or a business, Spring Break brawls can mean serious liability. Avoid physical altercations and feel free to call the cops.
9. Be prepared for cancellations. If your Spring Break plans go belly up due to weather or a family emergency, make sure you know your rights to cancel airline or hotel reservations.
10. Consider an attorney on retainer. Whether for your kids or yourself, you may want a criminal defense attorney on retainer when you have to make "that call." In some of the more popular Spring Break destinations, some lawyers even advertise their services for Spring Break-related legal problems.
Stay safe during Spring Break -- you'll need some energy to work until summer.
