College can be an incredible opportunity for young people to experiment, learn new things, and make mistakes. However, when it comes to a conviction for driving under the influence, schools won’t take this lightly. If you’re facing a DUI conviction, the consequences can have a ripple effect that touches nearly every facet of life, especially your college education. A DUI can disrupt academic pursuits, potentially lead to expulsion, or hinder acceptance to college. That’s why it’s so important for those who’ve been arrested for DUI to hire an expert defense lawyer who can help them evade the consequences associated with a conviction.
The likelihood that college students with vehicles will drive under the influence is perhaps higher than any other group due to peer pressure, still-developing intellect, and the abundant availability of alcohol. With that in mind, those charged with DUI may be worried about how a conviction could affect their college life. A DUI charge can impact various aspects of a student’s life, including academics, scholarships, and career aspirations. Here’s what you need to know.
The Consequences College Students May Face after a Pennsylvania DUI
Even with college out of the picture, the consequences associated with a criminal conviction, such as a DUI, could take a toll on your mental health, social life, finances, and career, especially when it comes to background checks and college policies. That’s not to mention the serious implications of having criminal records on scholarships, professional licensing, and graduate school applications.
The importance of having a specialized drunk driving attorney to navigate the legal issues cannot be overstated, as driving under the influence is a significant criminal offense that involves not only challenging statutory consequences but also a criminal record, which can limit a person’s ability to find employment, attain child custody, immigrate, and regain their driving privileges.
On top of these challenges, college students who are convicted of DUI may face school-related penalties. This includes the following:
Expulsion or Suspension
When you’re facing any kind of legal trouble outside of the classroom, such as a DUI charge, you’re in jeopardy of breaking the school’s code of conduct that you agreed to prior to attending. The penalties associated with an infraction will likely depend on the crime’s severity. For DUI, it’s not uncommon to face suspension or expulsion from the university.
A Loss of Financial Aid
While you may not lose federal loans or grants because of a DUI conviction, a DUI may affect other forms of financial assistance that are critical for helping students finance their education. For instance, school organizations and private foundations may pull scholarships from students convicted of a crime. Moreover, the school may revoke your right to student housing or your ability to play on athletic teams, which could affect athletic scholarships.
Missing Out on Future Academic Opportunities
Even if your college doesn’t take disciplinary action against you, a DUI conviction may pose long-term consequences that significantly affect the student’s future educational opportunities. For example, if you plan to apply for graduate school, they may perform a background check. If they see a DUI conviction, they may reject the application.
Disqualification From Forthcoming Job Prospects
A DUI conviction rarely looks stellar to prospective employers. A conviction can lead to questions about a job applicant’s judgment, character, and risk threshold. Potential employers may choose a candidate with a clean background over someone with a DUI in a tight job market.
Defending against DUI charges is crucial for safeguarding future career prospects, especially for college students. Fortunately, if you’re a college student who’s been arrested for driving under the influence, there’s hope that you may be able to evade any statutory and school-related penalties. Contact a knowledgeable Montgomery County DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible for help protecting your rights.
License Suspension and Fines
A DUI conviction can result in license suspension and fines, which can significantly impact a college student’s life. In Pennsylvania, a first-time offender with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10% or more can face a 12-month license suspension. This can make it difficult for students to commute to campus, attend classes, or fulfill other responsibilities. Additionally, fines for DUI convictions can range from $300 to $5,000, depending on the BAC level. For college students who may not have much extra money to start with, suffering a DUI conviction can enhance this problem.
Mitigating the Consequences of a DUI Conviction
While a DUI conviction can have severe consequences for college students, there are ways to mitigate these effects. One option is to seek legal assistance from an experienced DUI defense attorney.
A skilled lawyer can help students navigate the legal system, challenge the accuracy of field sobriety tests, and negotiate plea deals. Additionally, some colleges and universities offer support services for students who have been convicted of a DUI, such as counseling and academic advising. By seeking help and taking proactive steps, college students can minimize the impact of a DUI conviction on their academic and professional goals.
Expungement Possibilities for College Students
In some cases, college students may be eligible to expunge or seal their DUI records. Expungement is a legal process that allows an individual to have a prior conviction removed from their criminal record. This can be especially beneficial for college students who are concerned about the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction on their future educational opportunities and career paths.
An experienced attorney can assist students in navigating expungement procedures and determining eligibility. By expunging a DUI conviction, college students can improve their chances of securing scholarship funding, finding housing, and pursuing professional licensing boards.
Contact a Seasoned DUI Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County
If you’re a college student who’s been arrested for driving under the influence, it’s crucial that you speak with an experienced DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. The expert lawyers at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford are here to protect your reputation, avoid the statutory consequences associated with a conviction, and sidestep any school-related penalties you may be facing from your university. Our legal team will investigate your case in detail and work to build you a robust defense.
For more than 65 years, our lawyers have been serving clients’ legal needs in Montgomery County, Bucks County, Lehigh County, Chester County, Delaware County, and throughout the surrounding areas. We’ve earned the respect and trust of clients facing a diverse range of legal problems. Our attorneys serve to protect your rights. Call us at (215) 822-7575 or complete our online contact form today.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
December 24, 2024
