Off-Campus Living - The University of Missouri

Illegal Possession of Alcohol: Any person under the age of 21 that purchases, asks for, or in any way receives intoxicating liquor can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Use of or Possession of a Fake ID: Any person who is less than 21 years of age, who uses a reproduced, modified, or altered license for the purpose of purchasing, asking for, or in any way receiving any intoxicating liquor can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Open Container: Any person who possesses an open container of alcohol on any street, sidewalk or city parking facility could be charged with a misdemeanor.

Selling Alcohol without a License: It shall be considered unlawful for any person to sell alcohol, in any quantity, without acquiring a liquor license. If you sell alcohol at or charge admission to a party, the person accepting the money could be charged with selling liquor without a license. Sentences for this violation involve up to two years in prison and/or fines of up to $1,000. If the alcohol is served to a minor, the server could also be charged with supplying alcohol to a minor. This also includes the selling of cups intended for alcohol consumption.

Keg Registration: All retailers selling beer kegs must register the keg and affix a seal on the keg at the time of sale. The retailer will log the purchaser’s name, address, and the acknowledgement of proper use and care of the keg. If a keg is confiscated by police at a party at which underage persons have consumed alcohol, the purchaser of the keg can be identified-and arrested or fined-for supplying alcohol to underage persons. If a keg is returned with an ID tag defaced or missing, the deposit fee required at the time of sale is forfeited.

DWI: The legal BAC limit for DWI is .08. Those under 21 could be found guilty of a Zero Tolerance violation if their BAC is above .02. Consequences could include: fines, license revocation, classes, community service, and jail time, as well as misdemeanor or felony charges on one’s record.

Abuse and Lose Law: In Missouri, anyone under 21 years old and operating a motor vehicle with either alcohol or illegal drugs in their possession can have their driver’s license revoked for 90 days. The Abuse and Lose law also requires that your license be revoked for 90 days if you commit any of the following offenses: any alcohol related traffic offense; possessing or using an illegal drug; altering a driver’s license; trying to use someone else’s driver’s license. Second and subsequent offenses result in a one year license suspension.

It doesn’t matter if you are caught by University Police, Columbia Police, or Alcohol and Tobacco Control: illegal consumption, possession, or distribution of alcohol by a minor is a misdemeanor. If convicted, you may be fined up to $1000 and/or imprisoned for up to one year. In addition to fines, you will need to pay court costs and attorney fees. If you are a student and your violation occurs on campus, parental notification could take effect if you are under 21.

Yes, a new law in Missouri, effective August 28th, 2005 states that if the police have reason to suspect that you have been drinking and you are under 21, they can charge you with “minor in possession by consumption”. This means that even if you are not holding the alcohol container, but have consumed alcohol, you can be charged with an MIP.

Music that disturbs others or that can be heard at a distance of 50 feet is prohibited between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am. The same is true between 7:00 am and 11:00 pm from a distance of 100 feet. You could be charged with a misdemeanor and be fined up to $1,000.
Any music from a vehicle that can be heard at a distance of 50 feet is prohibited at any time.
Yelling and shouting that disturbs others is illegal at any time.

A nuisance party is defined as a social gathering of 10 or more people on residential property that results in any of the following occurring at the site of the gathering, on neighboring property, or on a public street:

Unlawful sale, furnishing, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages
Noise violations
Fighting
Property damage
Littering
Outdoor urination or defecation in a place open to public view
The standing or parking of vehicles in a manner that obstructs the free flow of traffic
Conduct that threatens injury to persons or damage to property
Unlawful use or possession of marijuana of any drug or controlled substance
Trespassing
Indecent exposure

In addition, Columbia police officers are authorized to order those attending a nuisance party to disperse. It shall be unlawful for any person who does not live at the site of the nuisance party to fail or refuse to leave the premise immediately after being told to leave by a Columbia police officer.

Penalties can range $500 (first time offense) to $4,000 (second time offense). Jail time is also a possibility. For more information contact the Columbia Police Department.

Discharging fireworks within the city limits is illegal.

Any person found urinating in public can be charged with a misdemeanor.

It is illegal to receive stolen property.
It is illegal to steal street signs or to receive stolen street signs. Any person caught could be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value.

Properties must be kept clear of excessive trash. Yards of all homes must be kept clear of inappropriate items such as tires, appliances, furniture, etc. A fine could result. Do not keep your indoor furniture such as couches and arm chairs on your porch or in your lawn.

Any person found trespassing on a private lot can be charged with a misdemeanor

Vehicles cannot be parked at any time on grass or yellow lines, or with the left side of the vehicles to the curb.
Vehicles cannot block, be parked on or across sidewalks or driveways.
Parking your vehicle in a public place for longer than 24 hours and leaving a wrecked or dismantled vehicle on a public street or private property is prohibited.
It is illegal to operate unlicensed vehicles (this includes expired license plates and vehicles with no license plates).