On Friday, April 24, the annual senior mock trial took place in the auditorium of Bel Air High School.

Every year before prom, the seniors here at Bel Air High School always attend the mock trial. The mock trail is a fake replica of a DUI case, in which a judge, police officer, attorney, and defendant all come together to act out what actually might happen if students were to get caught while driving under the influence.

Two students were selected before the trial took place, and one of them got to sit up on stage with the attorney. Both students played the role of two involved individuals that were pulled over because the officer expected that they were intoxicated. In the end, the defendant was deemed guilty for DUI, and a whole array of consequences were issued out after the conviction.

An officer here in Harford County that was present during the trial, stated, “If you are arrested for DUI you face up to a year in a detention center, and up to $1,000 in fines. Not to mention all of the other moral consequences you have to factor in.”

While it is considered tradition to dress well during the mock trial, it was not required. Once the trial was finished, students were allowed to ask any questions that they had.

The officer from Harford County also stated, “It’s one of the saddest things to see not only the face on the defendant, but the look of disappointment on their parents’ faces.”

The overall purpose of the event was to get students to be more aware of the dangers of drinking. Not only do you have to suffer various massive consequences, but in doing so, you also put the lives of many other individuals at stake. Stay safe, Bobcats.