In college, students often have a rich social life in addition to their academic life. When that social life involves alcohol, however, one mistake might lead to a criminal charge that impacts their life and their participation in college. How can a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) affect a student?
The legal penalties of a DUI can seriously impact students’ education.
Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, even a first time DIU charge can lead to serious penalties. Required jail time—even the minimum time of 48 hours—and a four month license suspension can limit a student’s ability to attend classes. Hundreds of dollars in fines can strain already tight student budgets. Required participation in a licensed treatment program can place additional limitations on their schedule.
Students may face additional penalties from their college.
In addition to the penalties that a college student may face from the court, a DUI charge could lead to additional disciplinary action by the school itself. A drunk driving charge could endanger a young person’s access to student housing or scholarships depending on the code of conduct laid out for those resources, for example.
Because of the many ways that a drunk driving charge can impact a young person’s education and life, it is important to begin building a defense as soon as possible. If you or a loved one face a drunk driving charge while pursuing an education, consider speaking to an experienced attorney. They can help you defend yourself against these charges, potentially having them dismissed altogether, and protect you from the impact that a criminal charge can have on your college experience.
