Schoolies Week is the annual celebration for year 12 students marking the end of their schooling, and it is once again here, as thousands of students congregate across various places interstate and overseas. Whilst it is encouraged that these newly graduated students have fun, there is always the impending risk of misbehaving which may lead to severe repercussions. Many of these students are unaware that their disobedience or law breaking will have long-term implications, as such affecting their future employment, ability to travel overseas and applying for membership to various companies.
School leavers who also intend to take a gap year in order to travel abroad should also be wary that each country has its specific set of laws that govern the region and any criminal conviction can impact negatively on their visa application and ability to stay within their country of choice.
Having graduated from high school, it is definitely a time for students to reminisce over the good times throughout their schooling life, however the key to having a memorable time is to exercise caution and common sense.
Interstate Schoolies - What You Should Be Aware Of
It is essential for schoolies to keep in mind that in relation to criminal convictions, the individual will be charged under the laws of the State in which the offence occurs. The following are a list of pointers students might want to keep in mind:
- According to the Juvenile Justice Act 1992, in Queensland, a 17 year old is seen as an adult in the eyes of the law and will be treated that way.
- The state of drunkenness, consumption of alcohol or unawareness of the laws governing the State in which the offence has occurred is not an appropriate nor suitable defence to the crime. Additionally, consuming alcohol under the age of 18 is deemed a criminal offence as per the Liquor Control Reform Act in each State.
- The damage of public or private property, whether it be the hotel, motel or camping site are deemed criminal offences in the eyes of the law.
- Using crude language towards the public or an officer of the law will lead to the individual being detained.
- The common act of obtaining and using a false identification card can lead to a myriad of criminal charges, additionally the individual who has supplied the card will also be held liable under the law.
Overseas Schoolies - What You Should Be Aware Of
Ensure that you are familiar with the laws of the country that you intend to visit as part of your Schoolies celebrations, as the range of categories which an individual can be charged under differ from Australia. Moreover, it is ideal to obtain travel insurance however be mindful that most policies do not reimburse an individual for an injury arising from being intoxicated and the involvement in any form of extreme sports.
If you have any questions about your child’s safety or would like to discuss a criminal matter, give us a call on 02 8917 8700 or fill out the enquiry box and we will get back to you ASAP.