The college years are a time for exploration and risk-taking, but many students take their newfound freedom too far, leading to arrests for underage drinking or driving under the influence.
A few standard legal penalties for a DUI conviction include loss of driver's license, hefty fines or possible jail time. However, the weight of the non-legal consequences can be even harder to bear.
College disciplinary actions
According to the Penn State on-campus and off-campus alcohol consumption policies, a student who drives while legally intoxicated is in violation of the university code of conduct. Parallel to the legal repercussions, a DUI conviction can result in:
- Loss of scholarships or financial aid
- Revocation of campus housing or privileges
- Suspension or expulsion from school
When you are hanging out with friends or decompressing after a hard week of studying, it is important to remain mindful of the impact of your decisions at this critical point of your college career.
Professional consequences
A DUI during your university days can come back to haunt you throughout your life. Every background check, job interview or graduate school application will reveal your past indiscretion, making it difficult to pursue certain education and career opportunities. Professional licensure, such as those required to practice medicine or teach school, may be much more difficult to obtain.
Everyone makes mistakes, and one DUI does not need to ruin your entire life. Understanding your rights during a traffic stop and after an arrest can help you overcome your legal challenges as quickly as possible.
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