Student Noise Violations in Maryland

Noise violations are violations where, given a particular time of day and particular day of the week, excessive noise is causing a disturbance to the community that surrounds a particular person’s home or garden area. Typically, there are a lot of noise violations on university and college campuses, particularly on the weekends because that is when social gatherings are often taking place. Noise violations on a college campus can lead to disciplinary action, so it is wise to consult with a Maryland student defense lawyer if charged with this violation.

Usually, excessive noise will be acceptable on the weekends, much later than the weeknights. Oftentimes, universities will also have quiet hours particularly during midterms and final examinations, when they know that people have obligations in school that they need to address.

University Noise Standards

Universities are allowed to put together their own rules about what is and is not considered a noise violation, even if it is not considered to be excessively violating. For example, Maryland will not take into account exam schedules when determining what’s considered excessive noise versus not excessive noise. The university might implement those kinds of rules during midterms and final examinations. That’s just one way that noise violations might differ between the universities and the State of Maryland.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are hours that the university will implement, particularly during examination periods. As a courtesy, quiet hours are implemented to make sure that people are able to get an adequate amount of rest or have quiet places to study during times when a particular high amount of pressure is on them to finish certain academic tasks.

Absent Roommate Noise Violation

A roommate cannot usually get a noise violation if they were not in the home unless they were in some way participating in the noise activity. For example, if they hosted the party but had just stepped out to have a cigarette or run to the store, they might still be liable for the noise that the party caused.

Potential Penalties

Usually, the criminal penalties associated with a noise violation could be jail time, could be probation, and could be significant fines.
From the university’s perspective, a noise violation wouldn’t generally be terribly serious. Usually these matters are handled by the university with some sort of disciplinary action, like a write-up, or a student might be required to pay a fine, or participating in some community service.

When to Contact a Lawyer

Students are usually going to be made aware that they are under investigation for or being charged with a noise violation relatively soon after the police respond. Students should contact an attorney immediately after they know that a noise complaint is being alleged against them to determine whether or not it is necessary to retain counsel.

It is important for an individual to speak to an attorney before answering questions or talking with university officials to make sure that their rights are protected in whatever proceeding the university decides to implement. Consequences from the school may be reported to the police for further investigation in the criminal court system. It is generally wise to contact an attorney, even if it only seems to be a university disciplinary matter.