Princeton Offenses: What You Need to Know

When you hear “Princeton offenses,” you probably think of those smart kids at the prestigious university getting in trouble for partying too hard or pulling pranks. But Princeton offenses actually refer to a category of criminal charges in New Jersey’s legal code specific to the town of Princeton.

New Jersey gets pretty granular with its criminal statutes, creating specific offenses for each municipality. So while the rest of the state deals with “disorderly conduct,” Princeton has its own special flavor – “Princeton disorderly conduct.” Princeton also has particular ordinances around alcohol, noise, parking, and more.

This article will break down the most common Princeton-specific offenses, what they mean, and the typical penalties if convicted. We’ll also look at some real-world examples of these charges in action. Let’s dive in!

What Makes a Princeton Offense?

The key factor that makes an offense a “Princeton offense” is that it’s codified under the Princeton municipal code, not New Jersey criminal statute. The Princeton code mostly mirrors state law, but gets hyper-focused on quality of life issues specific to the college town.

Princeton offenses fall under the jurisdiction of Princeton municipal court. The town employs its own prosecutors, public defenders, and judges to handle these local cases. Penalties are usually fines or community service, not jail time.

Some common Princeton offenses include:

• Princeton Disorderly Conduct
• Underage Drinking
• Noise Violations
• Open Container Violations
• Urinating in Public
• Parking Violations

These offenses aim to curb unruly student behavior that can disrupt community life in a small college town. The fines are meant to disincentivize conduct Princeton finds unacceptable, versus severely punishing offenders.

Princeton Disorderly Conduct

The most infamous Princeton offense is disorderly conduct. Let’s break down what this charge means and how it’s enforced:

• Covers conduct that causes public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm
• Includes offensive language, excessive noise, brawling, public drunkenness, etc.
• Up to $2,000 fine and/or 90 days community service

Disorderly conduct is basically a catch-all for obnoxious behavior police want to crack down on. It’s similar to state disorderly conduct laws, but the Princeton code spells out more specific examples of prohibited conduct like using abusive language and blocking sidewalks.

Cops frequently slap Princeton students with disorderly conduct for house parties, public drunkenness, and crude language. Fines can reach thousands for repeat offenders. Many see the charge as a tool for harassment, not justice.

For example, in 2000 a Black student was arrested for disorderly conduct after calling a white student “stupid.” Critics said police overreached given the minor nature of the incident. Racial bias in disorderly conduct arrests remains an issue in Princeton.

Underage Drinking

Underage drinking is a major concern in any college town. Princeton strictly prohibits alcohol possession and consumption by those under 21. Key points of the law:

• Applies to possession or consumption of alcohol by individuals under legal age
• Fines up to $1,000, license suspension, community service
• Bars and restaurants can also be fined for serving minors

Cops patrol known student party hotspots hunting for underage drinking, especially during big campus events. They’ve busted underage students at everything from dorm parties to formal balls.

In 2005, Princeton police sent undercover officers into campus bars to catch fake ID use. They arrested dozens of students but later dropped the charges amid backlash. The sting was seen as excessive for a victimless crime.

Noise Violations

Loud parties are another prime target for Princeton police looking to maintain order. The noise ordinance forbids:

• Unreasonable noise from parties, music, machinery, etc.
• Noise that disturbs the public late at night or early morning
• Fines up to $2,000, sound equipment can be confiscated

Police respond to noise complaints from fed-up neighbors and issue citations. But they also patrol for loud parties proactively on weekends. Students are expected to keep it down or pay the price.

In 2019, two students were arrested for a raucous party that brought cops down on multiple noise complaints. Over 100 attendees fled as police busted the event. The hosts were slapped with disorderly conduct too.

Open Container

Princeton bans open alcohol containers in public areas like streets, sidewalks, vehicles and parks. Key provisions:

• Bans possession of open, unsealed alcohol containers in public spaces
• Exceptions for certain events with permits
• Up to $2,000 fine

This allows cops to crack down on outdoor drinking without having to catch underage students in the act. They can cite someone just for holding a beer while walking down the street.

For instance, in 2015 police handed out dozens of open container tickets at Reunions, the university’s weekend-long alumni party extravaganza. Public drunkenness runs rampant at the event.

Public Urination

When nature calls, Princeton would prefer students find an actual bathroom. Urinating in public is a municipal offense. Key provisions:

• Bans urination or defecation in public places
• First offense up to $1,000 fine and/or 90 days community service
• Three-time offenders may face $2,000 fine and/or 90 days jail

Cops patrol for this behavior near bars and late-night eateries, where intoxicated students sometimes relieve themselves in alleys or on buildings. First offenders usually get a fine if caught.

But serious public urinators could end up registered as sex offenders. In 2013, a drunk man who repeatedly peed outdoors had to register for repeatedly exposing himself. Don’t let a full bladder ruin your life!

Parking Violations

Princeton’s parking ordinances strictly govern parking locations, permits, meters and more:

• Fines for parking in prohibited areas, blocking driveways, expired meters
• Street parking limited to 2 or 4 hours without a permit
• Parking illegally on campus can result in towing
• Fines $25-$150+ depending on offense

With limited parking, the town aggressively enforces its parking laws. Students often get cited for parking on the street without a permit or overstaying meters. Campus police ruthlessly tow unauthorized vehicles.

In 2015, Princeton made headlines when disabled parking crackdowns led to thousands in fines for confused motorists. Disability advocates bashed the town for excessive ticketing. Princeton was forced to review its practices.

Dealing with a Princeton Offense

So you got busted for a Princeton offense like noise or underage drinking. Here are some tips for handling the situation:

• Be polite if confronted by police – don’t argue or resist
• Cooperate fully if arrested – remain silent until you speak to a lawyer
• Hire a local attorney who regularly handles Princeton cases
• Negotiate for fine/penalty reductions where possible
• Request community service rather than fines if money’s tight
• Avoid repeat offenses that could lead to escalating penalties

The right legal strategy can help minimize consequences for a Princeton offense. While the charges seem petty, the fines and penalties add up fast. But a skilled lawyer knows how to work the system to their client’s advantage.

Don’t try to talk your way out of it alone. The Princeton municipal court is a machine geared towards extracting fines, not exonerating defendants. Having an experienced attorney in your corner makes all the difference.

The Takeaway

While Princeton offenses may seem trivial, the penalties can be severe and stick with you. Underage drinking might be expected at college, but a conviction creates a criminal record. Excessive noise tickets drain bank accounts fast. Even a public urination conviction can haunt you for life.

Princeton’s hyper-specific ordinances allow police to closely regulate student hijinks that might slide other places. Whether you think the strict rules go too far depends on your perspective. But if you choose to violate them, be prepared for the consequences. Or have a good lawyer ready!