Most college students devote the majority of their days to attending classes, studying, and social activities. Some students may even work part-time while still in school. Long hours of study, financial obligations, and the pressure of graduation and finding a job all weigh on a student and bring added stress.
Hanging out with friends or going to a party is a common approach for students to release stress. This is completely normal and welcomed at most colleges. However, some students make unwise decisions, such as driving while intoxicated.
Most people might not give much thought to drinking and driving. Some may argue that if only a few beers were consumed with some food, a person is fine to drive after drinking. Some individuals may be fine to drive. However, if you risk it and are pulled over by an officer, they are likely to write a ticket for a DUI, which can have severe implications on a college student’s life.
Educational Implications of a DUI
A conviction, or even a DUI charge, could affect a student’s academic status. Criminal charges are usually brought to the attention of the proper staff at schools. Otherwise, even if a charge does not result in a conviction, the school may suspend or expel someone who keeps quiet about the charges, depending on the school’s policies. A conviction results in a criminal record and may result in automatic expulsion.
Even if the student is permitted to continue with their schooling, he or she may lose scholarships, grants, or financial aid. Alcohol counseling may also be required of the student. It’s also possible that the student may lose his or her student housing, and if he or she is a member of a sports team, he or she would have to leave the team or suffer a significant suspension from sporting activity. Furthermore, many higher education institutions do not accept students with criminal records, thus a student’s plans to transfer to a different school may be thwarted.
Financial Aid Implications of a DUI
A FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required to apply for federal student aid through the government. DUI offenses are not asked about on the FAFSA, but drug convictions are. So a person will likely not have to worry about losing their financial aid if they are convicted of driving under the influence of solely alcohol. Though, if the financial aid was obtained through the school or another resource, the student may be at risk of losing such aid.
A student’s financial aid may be jeopardized if they are caught driving under the influence of drugs and authorities discover narcotics in the car. It’s usual for the motorist to be charged with a drug DUI and drug possession in these situations. A student’s financial aid may be affected by a marijuana possession charge, as well.
Implications Outside of School
Criminal convictions, such as a DUI, make it more difficult to do everyday things like applying for a job or renting an apartment. Another area where a DUI record can stifle a student’s potential is when applying for financing outside of school (purchasing a house or car). Many tasks that most people take for granted may be far more difficult or even impossible for a student with a DUI on their record.
A DUI conviction, or even a charge with no subsequent conviction, can pose numerous issues in the life of a college student. Some concerns, such as a loss of potential income and a lack of employment, are direct results of a conviction, but the indirect ramifications of these primary consequences can be just as damaging.
Underage DUI in College
The majority of college students reach 21 during their junior year, but many freshmen and sophomores can’t wait to start drinking. However, many people are unaware of the potential consequences of Louisiana’s zero-tolerance statute for underage alcohol consumption and DUIs.
Individuals under the age of 21 who are detected possessing or ingesting alcohol face a 6-month suspension of their driving rights, a maximum $2,500 fine, and up to a year in prison. Those found driving under the influence face the same penalties, as well as a suspension of their driving rights for at least two years. If they have many offenses or are caught transporting alcohol, they may face additional penalties and suspensions.
Students over the age of 21 who are charged with DUI face identical penalties, but their driving privileges are not suspended as severely. Older students should not allow younger classmates to drink in their homes, as this can result in a Class 4 felony if serious injuries result. Louisiana state police are constantly on the lookout for underage drinkers on college campuses, especially when they know that the average college student is likely to be underage.
Implications of a DUI on Louisiana College Students
Students who receive a DUI may face disciplinary action at their university in some Louisiana colleges. A student may only face modest sanctions, such as an alcohol safety course or a temporary suspension from school activities, depending on the board’s decision. Universities, on the other hand, have the authority to place students on probation or suspension and even expel them in some circumstances.
For instance, the LSU Code of Student Conduct contains a broad provision of conduct that might apply to a DWI arrest. It is a violation of LSU policy for a student to break the law on school grounds or in other locations that have a significant impact on the University’s interests.
The conclusion of a Dean of Students Office investigation determines the type of discipline you will receive for violating the Code of Student Conduct. Violations may result in a minor sanction, such as probation, but they can also result in suspension or expulsion. Students who live on campus may be evicted from their residence halls. Finally, in addition to any disciplinary sanctions, the University may require you to complete a compulsory educational intervention program.
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