DUI’s in College

There’s an unfortunate trend among millions of college students, and it seems to grow every single year: drunk driving. While driving under the influence is dangerous and could end up killing drunk drivers as well as others, more and more college students are finding out the hard way that even if nobody’s hurt, being convicted of a DUI can mean a lot more than just losing driving privileges for a while.

A DUI conviction can lead to losing a job, as well as inability to get certain jobs in the future. Additionally, DUI convictions can cost thousands of dollars in fines, lawyer’s fees, court costs, and more. Students convicted of DUIs may end up spending time in jail, meaning they may be dropped from college classes. Some colleges even have policies in place to expel students who’re convicted of crimes, including driving under the influence. This can lead to an additional financial burden, as students convicted of DUI will not only have spent money on an incomplete education, but may also have limited employment opportunities as a result.

For those students who have been convicted of DUI and are allowed to attend classes, the extra burden of having to take time away from their coursework to tend to legal matters can become a big problem. Having to miss class to go to court or meet with a lawyer are common occurrences for students facing DUI charges. While some professors may be willing to work out arrangements with these students, most will not, meaning students are on their own in terms of catching up with missed classwork.

Students convicted of DUI may also suffer health problems due to stress. Depression and anxiety are not uncommon to find in students convicted of any crime. Student with DUI charges hanging over their heads may be distracted from schoolwork and become overwhelmed as a result. In the worst case scenario, a student may drop out of college completely due to the stress a DUI can cause.

Regardless of who you are, a DUI can carry many unforeseen costs. Trying to get a job with a DUI can be a hassle, and in most cases a DUI will remain on your permanent criminal record forever. Many states also require drivers convicted of driving under the influence to pay for and attend alcohol education classes, and if you received a DUI in a state other than your home state, you may have to pay large fines to have paperwork processed by another agency.

The best way to avoid of all these problems is, of course, not to drink and drive. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have had too much to drink and you are impaired, remember that getting behind the wheel can not only cost you your freedom, it can cost your life, and take other lives as well.