httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYm80-fndU0

Fresno State student Jennifer Long didn’t enjoy her winter break, and what she faces March 22 will probably spoil her spring break the following week as well: a trial for driving under the influence after a party celebrating the end of the fall semester.

Jennifer was arrested Dec. 8 for DUI and is fighting the charge before Fresno County Superior Court Judge Brant K. Bramer. And she will do it in front of Fresno State students at 6 p.m. that day at the Satellite Student Union.

That’s the scenario for a mock trial involving a fictitious student, but based on facts and heard by a real judge.

It’s part of a strategy by Fresno State’s Alcohol Safety Council and the Criminology Department to grab students’ attention as they head off to spring break which is March 27-April 4. It’s a preview of what would happen to them if they get caught drinking and driving.

“The purpose of the trial is to educate students to the risks and consequences of driving under the influence,” said criminology professor Mark Stevens, who developed the case to replicate an actual DUI trial.

Criminology students will portray lawyers, officers, witnesses and the jury in the real Judge Bramer’s mock court. The mock jury will deliver a verdict and Bramer will decide the penalty, using real-life sentencing guidelines.

Stevens developed the DUI Mock Trial Education Program teaching at North Carolina Wesleyan College prior to coming to Fresno State. He was asked by Dr. Paul M. Oliaro, vice president for Student Affairs and chair of the university’s Alcohol Safety Committee, to develop one for Fresno State students.

Stevens is the adviser for Fresno State’s mock trial competition teams, but this is not a part of that program.

“I like to do it right before a major drinking event such as spring break or around winter holidays,” Stevens said. “Students need to be informed about California’s DUI and Implied Consent laws when they choose to consume alcohol.”

Adjunct professor Bethany Berube, the Tulare County public guardian, is assisting Stevens by coaching the students in her Criminal Legal Process class. Also assisting are Fresno attorneys Kara Schacher, Tina Barberi and Amanda Dayton.

Organizers hope to attract Fresno State students March 22, but the free event is open to everyone.

Oliaro said the community is encouraged to get involved with the Alcohol Safety Council and help promote its awareness programs to all students.

For more information, contact Stevens at mstevens@csufresno.edu, 559.278.5416 or Oliaro at 559.278.2541 orpoliaro@csufresno.edu.

(Copy by University Communications news intern Sadie Thomas)