There are many ways for college students to run afoul of the law. Many common college student crimes involve alcohol. For example, students might end up arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) charges when they head back to their on-campus housing after a wild party with friends. College students home for the holidays could also get arrested while staying with their parents if they meet up with their local friends at a bar.
Many people accused of DUI offenses, including college students, think that pleading guilty is the best solution. However, a guilty plea may not necessarily be the best response to a DUI for a college student given the secondary consequences they may face. How might a DUI impact a young adult’s college education?
1. Missed class
The expectations for college students include not just the completion of coursework and tests but also regular attendance. Many professors have policies that lead to reduced grades when students miss a certain number of classes.
DUI charges can lead to incarceration or community service requirements that force students to miss class. Even if they attempt to make up the work, professors may fail them or reduce their grades because of their attendance issues. They may also retain less information, which can impact their performance in other courses later.
2. Financial aid issues
Technically, DUI convictions do not make college students ineligible for grants, student loans or scholarships. However, many private organizations that offer scholarships do consider criminal records in addition to other factors.
While they may not forbid students with DUI convictions from applying, a criminal record can significantly reduce the likelihood of a student obtaining or maintaining private scholarships to help pay for college. A conviction could also affect their participation in certain college programs that may have a relationship with their school-based scholarship eligibility.
3. Enrollment concerns
The more prestigious an institution is, the less likely it is to turn a blind eye to a student’s conviction. A conviction or on-campus arrest could result in disciplinary action initiated by the school itself. Students may end up on academic probation or may even lose their enrollment entirely.
There are many strategies that can help college students avoid DUI convictions. Seeking legal guidance after a DUI arrest can potentially help defendants establish a reasonable strategy for fighting their DUI charges in court.