Conviction of a drunk driving offense could have various impacts on your life, including both immediate consequences and those that could affect you well into the future. If you are an underage college student, drinking and driving could have especially dire consequences for you as it has the potential to derail your entire college career. It is critical to take your situation seriously and pursue ways that you can defend your rights and interests.
With your college career on the line, how you proceed after an underage DUI matters. Not only are you working to avoid criminal penalties, but you are also working to protect your reputation, your freedom and your educational opportunities. Students at Auburn University and other higher education institutions in Alabama would be wise to explore their defense options as soon as possible after an arrest.
Short-term effects of your DUI
In the immediate aftermath of your DUI, you may find that you experience certain consequences that can be both inconvenient and embarrassing. For example, you could lose your driver’s license, impacting your ability to drive yourself to class, work and other places you need to go. You will have to make court appearances and pay certain fees, and your school will likely receive notice of your arrest or conviction.
Long-term consequences of your DUI
Long-term, a DUI could have significant effects on your life. You may face a long-term suspension or revocation of your license, and if you are able to drive, you may have an ignition interlock device. You could face expensive fines, and there is the possibility of time behind bars. You could also lose your college career. Depending on your situation, your college or university may suspend or expel you. You could lose scholarships, financial aid, internship opportunities and the ability to participate in extracurricular activities.
A mark on your future
A DUI will leave a permanent mark on your criminal record, even if you are underage. It is in your future interests to fight back against these charges, seeking to avoid a conviction and mitigate the potential penalties you are up against. If you are unsure of where to begin, you may find it helpful to start by seeking an understanding of the specific defense options available to you. Your future is at stake, but there are steps you can take to reduce the potential impact this could have on your life.
