For many college students, drinking is part of the college experience. As parents, you hope that your kids don’t overdo it. However, if they have even a few drinks on an empty stomach and get behind the wheel, they can find themselves under arrest for DUI. If they’re not yet 21, they may face underage drinking charges as well.
Upon learning that your son or daughter has been arrested for DUI, you may be relieved that no one got hurt (assuming that no one did). However, a DUI conviction can have serious consequences for their college education and beyond.
Some colleges and universities can and do expel students who are convicted of DUI. Even if a student isn’t suspended or expelled, they may lose their right to live on campus. Having to live off campus can be expensive and inconvenient (especially if your driver’s license has been suspended).
Here in Maryland, a first DUI offense can carry a suspension of 120 days. Then, of course, there’s the possibility of jail time and fines.
A student convicted of a DUI can also lose their scholarship or other financial aid. That alone can mean the end of their college dreams.
Even when students are able to continue at school despite their DUI, their future can still be seriously impacted. If your child’s goal is to become a doctor, lawyer, teacher, nurse or to pursue any number of professions that require licensing, a DUI conviction may throw a wrench in those plans. The same is true if they plan to work for the government in some capacity. A DUI on your record can hurt your chances of getting any job.
A DUI arrest, of course, is not the same as a conviction. If your son or daughter has been arrested, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal guidance. A Maryland DUI attorney can protect your child’s rights and work to mitigate the impact of the DUI on their short-term goals and long-term dreams.
