Alcohol and Illegal Drugs

Generally, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages are not permitted on campus. The exceptions are 1) meetings or other functions when a state banquet permit has been obtained--applications are available in the Office of the Vice President & Vice Provost for Student Life and the permit is issued pursuant to regulations of the University of Washington and the Washington State Liquor Control Board; 2) residence hall rooms or apartments with the doors closed, except that kegs or other common-source containers are never allowed in the residence halls. As prescribed by state law, it is illegal to sell alcohol without a permit and no one under age 21 is permitted to consume alcohol.

The University of Washington is committed to maintaining an environment of teaching and learning that is free of illicit drugs and alcohol. In compliance with the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, all students and employees of the University of Washington are notified of the following:

1. The unlawful possession, use, distribution, or manufacture of alcohol or controlled substances (as defined in CH 69.50 RCW) on the university campus or during UW-sponsored activities is prohibited (CH. 478-124 WAC).
   1. Students and employees who are found to be in violation of this stated prohibition may be subject to arrest and conviction under the applicable criminal laws of local municipalities, the State of Washington or the United States. Conviction can result in sanctions including probation, fines and imprisonment.
   2. Students who are found to be in violation of this stated prohibition are subject to discipline in accordance with the requirements and procedures of the Student Conduct Code
      (CH. 478-120 WAC). Discipline may include disciplinary probation or dismissal from the university.
   3. Faculty and staff employees who are found to be in violation of this stated prohibition are subject to discipline in accordance with the applicable university employment rules and procedures. Discipline may include salary reduction, suspension or termination of employment.
2. The University of Washington Administrative Policy Statement 13.7 contains the provisions of the university's alcohol and other drug awareness programs. Employees and students should be aware that:
   1. It is dangerous to use and abuse alcohol and other drugs, and that many illnesses and deaths have been medically related to the use and abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol;
   2. The university has declared itself to be a drug-free work and educational environment;
   3. Alcohol and other drug counseling, rehabilitation and employee assistance programs are listed in the Operations Manual, D 13.7.

   Please see the table of Health Risks of Some Commonly Abused Substances.

3. In addition to the above requirements, and in accordance with the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, all employees are notified that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of controlled substances (as defined in 21 U.S.C.§912) is prohibited in the workplace. An employee convicted of a criminal violation occurring in the workplace involving a controlled substance must notify his/her supervisor, dean and the Vice Provost for Research within five days of the conviction. If the employee is supported on federal funds, the Vice Provost for Research is required to inform the appropriate federal agency of this conviction within 10 days of the employee's notification. Further, the university will, with regard to such an employee, take appropriate disciplinary action and/or require such an employee to participate satisfactorily in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

FEDERAL DRUG LAWS

The possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are provided for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. The following information, although not complete, is an overview of federal penalties for first convictions. All penalties are doubled for any subsequent drug conviction.

1. Denial of Federal Benefits (21 USC §862)
   

   A federal drug conviction may result in the loss of federal benefits, including school loans, grants, contracts and licenses. Federal drug trafficking convictions may result in denial of federal benefits for up to five years for a first conviction, 10 years for a second conviction, and permanent denial of federal benefits for a third conviction. Federal drug convictions for possession may result in denial of federal benefits for up to one year for a first conviction and up to five years for subsequent convictions.

2. Forfeiture of Personal Property and Real Estate (21 USC §853)
   

   Any person convicted of a federal drug offense punishable by more than one year in prison shall forfeit to the United States any personal or real property related to the violation, including houses, cars and other personal belongings. A warrant of seizure may be issued and property seized at the time an individual is arrested on charges that may result in forfeiture.

3. Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties (21 USC §841)
   

   Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions vary according to the quantity of the controlled substance involved in the transaction. The following list is a sample of the range and severity of federal penalties imposed for first convictions. Penalties for subsequent convictions are twice as severe. If death or serious bodily injury results from the use of a controlled substance that has been illegally distributed, the person convicted on federal charges of distributing the substance faces a prison term of not less than 20 years, but not more than life, and fines ranging up to $8 million.

   Persons convicted on federal charges of drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of a university (21 USC §860) face penalties of prison terms and fines which are twice as high as the regular penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least one year.

4. Federal Drug Possession Penalties (21 USC §844)
   See the Possession Penalties Chart for specific substance penalties

   Persons convicted on federal charges of possessing any controlled substance face penalties of up to one year in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000, or both. Second convictions are punishable by not less than 15 days but not more than two years in prison and a minimum fine of $2,500. Subsequent convictions are punishable by not less than 90 days but not more than three years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000.

   Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine impose a mandatory prison term of not less than five years but not more than 20 years and a minimum fine of $1,000, or both, if:

   1. it is a first conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 5 grams;
   2. it is a second conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 3 grams;
   3. it is a third or subsequent crack conviction and the amount exceeds 1 gram.

   Civil penalties of up to $10,000 may also be imposed for possession of small amounts of controlled substances, whether or not criminal prosecution is pursued.

   Special sentencing provisions for possession of Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol, "roofies" or "roaches") impose a prison term of not more than 3 years, a fine up to $5,000, or both.

Washington State Drug Laws

(RCW 69.50)

The following is a partial list of illicit drugs considered to be controlled substances by the State of Washington: Narcotics (opium and cocaine, and all drugs extracted, derived or synthesized from opium and cocaine, including crack cocaine and heroin); Marijuana; Methamphetamine; Barbiturates; and Hallucinogenic Substances (LSD, peyote, mescaline, psilocybin, PCP, THC, MDA, STP).

1. State Penalties for Illegal Sale of Controlled Substances

   The illegal sale of any controlled substance is punishable by up to five years in prison, $10,000 fine, or both.

2. State Penalties for Illegal Manufacture or Delivery of Controlled Substances

   Narcotics-Up to 10 years in prison, $25,000 to $100,000 fine, or both.

   Non-narcotics-Up to five years in prison, $10,000 fine, or both.

3. State Penalties for Possession of Controlled Substances

   Possession of any controlled substance is punishable by up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

   Possession of less than 40 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia are misdemeanors in the State of Washington.

   More severe penalties are provided for persons convicted of providing controlled substances to minors, repeat offenses and on or near schools or parks.