There are a number of disciplinary sanctions for violations of the conduct regulations which include sus- pension or expulsion. It is important to note that illegal use of drugs and alcohol are serious crimes under State and Federal laws. Articles 220 and 221 of the New York State Penal Law are directly aimed at unlawful traffic in mind-affecting drugs. They are compatible with the Public Health Law and the provisions of the latter are often cross-referenced in the Penal Law sections that deal with different drugs. Articles 220 and 221 set criminal penalties for possession or sale of some drugs considered potentially harmful or subject to abuse.
Penalties can include both fines and prison sentences.
The seriousness of the offense and penalty imposed upon conviction depend upon the individual drug and amount held or sold. It is noteworthy that a gift of drugs is treated as a sale under the law. A chart of fines and sentences is available in the Office of the Director of Student Life. Persons convicted for fraudulently using a driver's license to buy or attempt to buy alcohol may have their driver's licenses suspended up to 90 days. Persons convicted of selling, giving or serving alcohol to persons under 21 years of age face significant fines.