Drug-Free Schools and College Prevention Program

Mohave Community College strives to assure that the college is a safe and pleasant place for its students, employees and visitors. That effort includes work to assure that the college is a drug- and alcohol-free zone. Students, employees and the public are encouraged to read and understand the following information:

Drug-Free Schools and College Prevention Program Commitment

Mohave Community College is committed to the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226, 20 U.S.C. §1145g). The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees is prohibited. Violating or failing to comply with published rules and regulations of conduct on college property or during a college activity and/or being under the influence of, using, selling, possessing, or distributing any illicit drugs or alcohol on college property or as part of any of its activities is subject to disciplinary action.

Additionally, local, state, and federal laws prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. Conviction for violating these laws can lead to imprisonment, fine, probation and/or assigned community service. Students convicted of a drug- and/or alcohol-related offense will be ineligible to receive federally funded or subsidized grants, loans, scholarships or employment.

Mohave Community College fully subscribes to and cooperates with the local, state and federal authorities in the enforcement of all laws regarding the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Standard of Conduct

The Mohave Community College Student Code of Conduct includes the following behaviors that are prohibited by law and/or college rules and policies:

Alcohol use, possession or distribution, except at approved college functions in accordance with college policies and procedures, and subject to statutory age restrictions.
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance (including, but not limited to, marijuana and cocaine) and drug paraphernalia on college premises, or while participating in college events off college premises.
Illegal use, possession, manufacturing or distribution of illegal or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law.

Health Risks

According to Partnership at Drugfree.org, there are definite health risks associated with the use of alcohol and illegal substances. Students who experiment with drugs, alcohol and illegal substances, or use them recreationally, may develop a pattern of use that leads to abuse and addiction. Use of alcohol and illegal substances is a major factor in accidents and injuries, and among persons between the ages of 18 and 24, it is responsible for more deaths than all other causes combined. Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome which is can cause irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. Long term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, can lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as brain and liver.

Counseling/Treatment Programs

Various treatment programs are available in Mohave County. The Community Resource Guide was developed by the Student Services staff to assist the college community with appropriate referrals and information concerning drug and alcohol education, counseling, treatment, rehabilitation or re-entry programs that may be available in the community. Contact the Student Services offices on any campus for additional information and resources.

Sanctions for Violation of the Student Code of Conduct

At MCC any student determined to have violated the Student Code of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action. Penalties may include suspension or dismissal. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the infraction, the authorities may be contacted for criminal prosecution. Students also may be required to participate in and/or successfully complete a drug or alcohol evaluation, assistance or rehabilitation program, either in conjunction with such discipline or otherwise.

Alcohol Offenses under Arizona Law A.R.S. § 28-1381 and ARS 4-244 (34)

The State of Arizona sets twenty-one as the “legal drinking age”. An underage person who buys, receives, possesses or consumes alcoholic beverages is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be subject to a fine and imprisonment for up to six months. The Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways prohibits driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (DWI). Drivers charged with DWI who refuse to be tested face suspension of their licenses or permits to drive for twelve months. A driver whose test results show a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more will have his/her license or permit to drive suspended or denied for not less than ninety consecutive days. The punishment for DWI ranges from not less than twenty four consecutive hours in jail and a fine of not less than $250 for a first offense to a minimum of six months in jail and revocation of the driver’s license for three years upon a third offense.

Drug Offenses under Arizona Law A.R.S. § 13-821

For a first offense, at least one thousand dollars.
For a second or subsequent offense, at least two thousand dollars.

The court may suspend the imposition of a fine pursuant if the person agrees to enter a residential drug rehabilitation program approved by the court and to pay for all or a part of the costs associated with the rehabilitation program. On successfully completing the program, the person may apply to the court for a reduction in the amount of the fine imposed pursuant to this section. If the person establishes to the satisfaction of the court that the person successfully completed the program, the court may reduce the fine by the amount the person paid to participate in the rehabilitation program. If the person fails to complete the program, the court shall enforce the collection of the entire fine.

Federal Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance 21 U.S.C 844(a)

First conviction: Up to one year imprisonment and fined at least $1,000 but not more than $100,000, or both.
After one prior drug conviction: At least fifteen days in prison, not to exceed two years and fined at least $2,500 but not more than $250,000, or both.
After two or more prior drug convictions: At least ninety days in prison, not to exceed three years and fined at least $5,000 but not more than $250,000, or both.
Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine: Mandatory at least five years in prison, not to exceed twenty years and fined up to $250,000, or both, if: First conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds five grams. Second conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds three grams. Third or subsequent crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds one gram. 21 U.S.C 853(a) and 881 (a) (7)
Forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if that offense is punishable by more than one year imprisonment. (See special sentencing provisions re: crack) 21 U.S.C 881(a)
Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft or any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance. 21 U.S.C 844(a)
Civil fine of up to $10,000 (pending adoption of final regulations). 21 U.S.C 853(a)
Denial of Federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts and professional and commercial licenses, up to one year for first offense, up to five years for second and subsequent offenses. 21 U.S.C 922(g)
Ineligible to receive or purchase a firearm.

Miscellaneous: Revocation of certain Federal licenses and benefits, e.g. pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, etc., are vested within the authorities of individual Federal agencies.

Program Review

In accordance with federal law, Mohave Community College will conduct a biennial review (2013-15, 2015-17, 2017-19, 2019-21) of its drug and alcohol abuse prevention program’s effectiveness. By providing the information herein, the college is making a good faith effort to implement a program as required by the Drug-Free School and Communities ACT amendments of 1989.