Getting convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) while in college can have a number of serious repercussions. In addition to facing criminal penalties in the court system, your college may take certain steps after your conviction.
Find out more about how a DUI in college will affect you with the Simmrin Law Group. This article can also help you consider your options for successfully resolving a DUI charge, so you can move forward with your life in California.
DUI Laws in College in California
The state of California hands down harsh penalties if you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You should be aware that your age can play a role in the DUI charges you face in California. If you are under 21 – as many college students are – you are legally required to keep your blood alcohol content (BAC) under 0.01%.
You may have your license suspended for up to a year if you violate California’s zero-tolerance laws for drinking under the age of 21. A second violation of this law can result in a license suspension of up to three years.
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Legal Penalties for College DUI Convictions
In general, California requires all drivers to keep their BAC under 0.08%. This regulation even applies to drivers over the age of 21. If your BAC exceeds 0.08% you may face criminal charges for an “adult” DUI, even if you are under 21. A first-time conviction for this DUI charge can lead to:
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Jail time of up to six months
- Entry into an alcohol treatment program
Your license may also be suspended for an “adult” DUI conviction. Additionally, each time you are convicted of a DUI the penalties will grow more severe. Spending months of time in jail can make completing your college course work incredibly difficult.
Academic Results of DUI Convictions in California
You can face court-ordered penalties if you are convicted of a DUI in college. Your school can also take steps to punish you after a DUI conviction. Depending on the policies established by your school, you may:
- Lose your scholarship
- Lose your campus housing
- Be removed from any sports teams
Additionally, you may have a difficult time getting accepted into certain programs. For example, nursing programs will often refuse to accept students with DUI convictions on their records. Finally, you will be unable to work in some fields if you have criminal convictions. Any job that requires a security clearance may be closed to you once you are convicted of a DUI in California.
Handling College DUI Charges in California
You can minimize the effects of a DUI in college by getting professional help as soon as you are arrested. A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can help you handle DUI charges. The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can investigate your charges now. We may be able to:
- Get your charges reduced
- Get your charges dismissed
- Secure you a favorable verdict in court
In some cases, you can resolve a DUI charge before it becomes a problem for your college experience. Moving quickly increases the odds that a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can help you.
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Addressing DUI Convictions with Your School
Sometimes, a DUI charge cannot be resolved in the way that you want. If you are left with a DUI conviction, it does not necessarily mean your college experience is over. You may be able to improve your situation by:
- Being honest about your DUI charges
- Ensuring your record after the DUI arrest remains clean
- Entering an alcohol-treatment program and volunteering in your community
Taking these steps may demonstrate to members of your college that you are working to put your DUI behind you and to move forward with a fresh start.
Considering a DUI Expungement in California
You should also be aware that you can sometimes get a DUI conviction removed from your record. This process is called expungement. Expunged convictions do not show up on public records and they shouldn’t impact your admission to an institute of higher learning.
A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles may be able to get a prior DUI conviction expunged for you. Find out more by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group today.
Get Help Handling DUIs in College
A DUI in college can affect you in a number of ways. You may be denied entry into an educational program you want to pursue. You could also be fined, sent to jail, and left with a suspended license. Address all of these concerns head-on with the Simmrin Law Group’s DUI lawyers in Los Angeles.
You can call us at (310) 896-2723 or complete our online contact form to get a FREE initial case evaluation about your options today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form