The U.S. legal system is consists of national, state, and local laws. The state law often delegates many of the issues you may encounter including drugs, alcohol, and driving. Make sure you understand the policy in your state because even though you are an international student, you can still get into trouble. In fact an infringement of a law by an international student will most likely result in a quick ticket out of the country!

Topic	Law	Description	Penalty

Drugs Marijuana Cocaine LSD Methamphetamine Heroin	Possession	It is unlawful for any person to be in possession of a controlled substance	Charged with a misdemeanor Fined up to $10,000 for each violation Imprisonment for at least 10 years
	Paraphernalia	It is unlawful for any person to sell or import paraphernalia	Imprisonment for up to three years and fined
Alcohol	Underage Drinking	It is unlawful for any person to consume alcohol under the age of 21 Exceptions to this law very between states	APIS – State Profiles of Underage Drinking Laws Suspension of driving privileges Monetary fines Community service
	Underage Purchase	It is unlawful for any person to purchase alcohol under the age of 21 Exceptions to this law very between states	Monetary fines
	Serving to Minors	It is unlawful for any person to serve alcohol under the age of 21 Exceptions to this law very between states	Alcohol license revoked Monetary fines Liable for any injuries that occur
Driving	License	Average age requirement is 16 to obtain a drivers license however it ranges (14-18) depending on state law
	Drunk Driving	It is unlawful for any person to drive with a blood alcohol level of .08 In some states it is unlawful to drive with an open alcoholic beverage container	License suspension Fines
Fake Identity Card	Fake Identification	It is unlawful to create or possessing a fraudulent government document It is unlawful to use a fake ID to buy alcohol or gain admittance into a bar or club	Prison time (ex: 5 years) Monetary fines (ex: $10,000) License suspension
Sex	Prostitution	It is unlawful to buy or sell sexual services	Jail time (up to 5 yrs in some states) Fines (up to $10,000 in some states)
	Statutory Rape	Sexual relations between an adult (+ 18 years) and a minor (-18 years)	Prison
	Rape	Forced sexual relations	Prison
Weapons	Guns	Some states require a license It is unlawful to take weapons onto a university campus	Confiscation Fines University Suspension