The flashing lights of a law enforcement vehicle in your rear-view mirror can signal the start of legal trouble in your life. If the police pull you over for suspicion of drunk driving, you could find yourself facing a range of penalties that may include time behind bars, expensive fines and much more. In the event the police arrest and charge you, you may want to know what you are up against so that you can fight back and defend your future interests.
For college students, the implications of drunk driving are particularly grave. There is a lot at stake for a driver facing a DUI regardless of his or her age, but there is much on the line for young adults with their futures ahead of them. If you are a college student in Kentucky and you have a DUI charge, there is no time to lose in learning more about how you can protect your long-term interests.
The consequences of a DUI
Individuals convicted of drunk driving may be subject to jail time, loss of driving privileges and possibly mandatory alcohol treatment programs, as well as a host of other penalties. Additionally, a conviction will result in a permanent mark on your criminal record. However, the difficulties may not stop there. While a DUI can impact the life of a driver in many different ways, college students may find that they experience the following difficulties:
- A DUI could result in the revocation of your scholarships and any financial aid you currently receive.
- It is possible that a drunk driving conviction could also lead to a loss of your housing on campus.
- If you are on any student-led committees, you may lose your place on those as well.
- You could lose any memberships in Greek organizations or other clubs, or the organizations could place you on probation.
A DUI could also impact your ability to secure a professional license in the future, such as a nursing license or a teacher’s certificate.
What can a college student do?
If you are a college student facing drunk driving charges, you will benefit from taking immediate action to preserve your interests. One thing you can do is to seek the counsel of a legal professional who can provide you with insight regarding your defense options. With the right defense strategy, it may be possible to mitigate some of the penalties you are facing or even avoid a conviction altogether.
