For many young adults, college is a foundational experience that leads to future success. Part of this experience might include attending various school functions involving the consumption of alcohol and possibly other drugs as well. This can be problematic, especially for young students who may not be as familiar with the impact of these substances on their bodies. Many drugs potentiate the impact of alcohol. For example, combining a drink or two with marijuana creates a buzz greater than either of these substances might otherwise produce. This is truly a situation of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Because a DUI, sometimes also called "Minor BAC" in Michigan, can be based on the combination of drugs or alcohol, experimenting with such drug combinations can increase the most common crime in college, drunk driving.
If you are less than 21 years old, then you are not allowed to lawfully consume alcohol or recreational marijuana. The crime "Minor BAC" applies to drivers under 21 years of age who have a BAC or "bodily alcohol content" of more than .02 but less than .08. Under 21 drivers with more than a .08 BAC can be charged with an "adult" OWI/DUI.
A conviction for any kind of a drunk driving conviction can derail a student's academic career and negatively impact his or her post-college ambitions. This issue is especially relevant for those students who are seeking careers in law, medicine, security, or law enforcement. For this reason, it is crucial to contact a Michigan student DUI attorney if accused of an underage OWI in Michigan while attending school.
Impact on College ApplicationsIf you have not yet been accepted to a college or university, an operating while intoxicated (OWI) or Minor BAC, conviction can disqualify you for admission. Most higher education institutions run background checks on applicants, and an alcohol-related conviction will show up on your criminal record. Depending on the school's policies, you could be left ineligible for admission. Nevertheless, honesty is the best policy, and if you have a conviction, you are well served to report it, even if you think they will not find it during the admissions process. Failure to make disclosure is likely be viewed even less favorably the existence of the conviction itself.
If you are currently enrolled at a college or university and found guilty of drunk or drugged driving, you could be placed on suspension or even expelled. Most colleges and universities maintain strict codes of conduct that students are expected to honor, and an impaired or intoxicated driving conviction will almost certainly be considered a violation. Your lawyer can help you determine if you are required to report to your school. We have found in most instances that students are required to report convictions, and as indicated above, a failure to report is seen as more serious than the underlying offense.
OWI Effect on Future Educational ProspectsIf you are expelled from or denied admission to a college or university because of an alcohol-related offense, you could experience further repercussions in your post-academic life. Most employers conduct criminal background checks on applicants, and a drunk driving conviction may leave you ineligible for many positions. Further, you may be asked to explain why you did not complete your education or why you were expelled from the school.
What to do if Arrested for Minor BAC or DUI as a StudentUnfortunately, you may need to tell your parents what happened, because they are the ones most likely to be footing the bill, and also, are the ones most likely to have the funds available to hire a lawyer. Because the ramifications are potentially so dire, it is important to properly defend these cases with a knowledgeable experienced lawyer. The underage drunk driving lawyers at the Barone Defense Firm are available to provide you with a free no obligation case review.