This open letter from a Massachusetts district judge was published in the University of Massachusetts at Amherst student newspaper in September. This letter was provided by the university.

Welcome back, students -- I hope we never meet!

That's because I'm the First Justice of the Eastern Hampshire District Court and we're probably seeing each other in my courtroom on Route 9 in Hadley ... just a short trip from campus, but a seemingly endless ride when you're in the back seat of a police cruiser.

When you're making decisions, it's important to know what's at stake. For example, you may not realize that:

• A drug conviction can jeopardize your federal financial aid.

• Urinating in public is a form of indecent exposure and cause for arrest.

• Altering a driver's license is a felony; a felony conviction immediately disqualifies you from many jobs.

• Operating a motor vehicle under the influence carries a mandatory loss of license.

Remember that the legal drinking age is 21. If you're under 21 and in possession of alcohol, you'll be fined and lose your license for three months. Don't use a fake ID to buy alcohol, and don't commit a felony by altering a driver's license. If you're of age, don't purchase alcohol for those who aren't.

Never drink and drive. Because the risks are high, so are the consequences. If you're stopped by police and refuse to take a breath test, you'll lose your license just for refusing. Convictions for operating under the influence may include jail time and will definitely increase your insurance rates for years to come. First offenders don't get off easier, either. Penalties usually include mandatory substance abuse treatment, fines of more than $1,000 and loss of your license for between 45 days and a year. If you're under 21, your license will be revoked for at least 210 days.

If you get in trouble, your parents will find out. Under the law, you're considered an adult if you're over 18, which means you'll be charged differently than a juvenile. However, most students are still supported in part by their parents and are required to have them here to sign financial statements if requesting court-appointed lawyers.

Here are some other "do's" and "don'ts" for avoiding my courtroom.

Don't:

• host open parties in off-campus housing. If your guests are loud and unruly, you can be held responsible for violating noise bylaws, which can mean fines or even arrest. Remember that noise levels you think are reasonable may not seem so for neighbors who have young children, are elderly, or need to get up for work the next morning.

• argue with police officers at the scene of an arrest. The officers are doing their jobs, so be respectful, obey their lawful commands and air any grievances later with the Chief of Police. Remember, these are the first people you'll call if you need help.

Do:

• respect yourself and others. The majority of student cases in my court involve drugs and/or alcohol, and the majority of assaults, injuries, thefts and accidents can be traced back to illegal or excessive substance use. If you're receiving federal financial aid, a drug conviction can jeopardize your award until you complete treatment. Conviction for morals offenses like public urination, indecent assault or annoying and accosting members of the opposite sex can require registration as a sex offender.

• respect property on campus and in town. Property damage cases comprise a large part of my caseload. Destroying property, stealing, tagging and breaking into other students' rooms (a felony) are often tied to excessive substance use.

• come to court if you need the protection of a restraining order or wish to sue someone for monetary damages. Our staff is here to help you.

• visit us to learn about the Constitution, criminal and civil law and the jobs performed by court officers, probation officers, lawyers and judges. We're happy to share our career knowledge and guidance.

Enjoy your time in school, avoid a criminal record and protect your future by obeying the rules of the University, the town and the state. The majority of UMass Amherst students never cross the threshold of my courtroom, and I like it that way!

The Honorable Nancy R. Dusek-Gomez
First Justice, Eastern Hampshire District Court