Going to college is a dream for many, but a DUI conviction can turn that dream into a nightmare. Anyone hoping to be admitted to college or currently enrolled should consider all legal options, including fighting the charges. A DUI can negatively impact your ability to complete a degree, participate in athletics, or even find a job. Call Bruno Lilly LeClere, PLLC to speak with a Weld County DUI lawyer.
DUI Conviction and College Admissions
Most colleges and universities ask about criminal charges on the application for admission. Students cannot lie because there are severe consequences if the college catches them. Consequently, admitting to the DUI is the best policy.
At the same time, any DUI could block your admission to Naropa University, the University of Northern Colorado, or the University of Colorado Boulder. These schools are selective about the students they admit, and a criminal conviction might be what triggers a rejection letter.
How a DUI Conviction Can Impact Your College Career
Some people ask, “Can I attend college with a DUI?” It is possible, depending on the facts and your school. But there are usually consequences if you are a current student.
Probation
Your school might place you on disciplinary probation for a DUI conviction. Although you can still attend classes, you now have a disciplinary record, which you will need to acknowledge in job interviews.
You also cannot commit another mistake, or you could be permanently thrown out of school. After a DUI, a student on probation must avoid any other criminal infraction, even a minor one.
Suspension
A college or university might also suspend a student after a DUI conviction. That means you can’t attend for a certain length of time. Students who are suspended for DUI take longer to complete a degree, and some might never go back.
Expulsion
An expulsion is permanent. Your school might permanently expel you for a DUI, although that might only happen for a second offense. Call an experienced lawyer to figure out your university’s policy.
Once a student is expelled, they cannot just automatically enroll in a different institution. Instead, other schools want to see a transcript, and they will note the expulsion. You might have to wait years before you can get back to earning a degree.
DUI and Student Athletes
Student athletes face additional problems with a DUI conviction:
- Suspension from the team. At a minimum, your school will likely suspend you for the season.
- Loss of scholarship. A student athlete can lose their scholarship for a DUI conviction. Even if you are not expelled, that will mean having to pay for tuition which was previously covered by the scholarship. This one mistake can set a student-athlete back tens of thousands of dollars.
- Ruined reputation. If you hope to play professionally, then you have a DUI conviction following you around, which the media will discuss. Teams and coaches might assume you are a problem.
Common Questions Regarding CUI Conviction and College
Students in Northern Colorado have a lot of questions regarding the consequences of a criminal conviction. We believe they deserve accurate advice.
Can I be Expelled From College for DUIs?
Yes. Your college might permanently kick you out of school. That is one of the risks of any criminal conviction. You might not easily transition to a new school, either.
Why Does an Off-Campus Violation Matter?
The school can decide which students to admit. Schools care about off-campus activity because they believe students will bring criminal behavior onto campus. You shouldn’t try to argue that a DUI is no big deal because it happened outside school.
Can I Enroll in College with a DUI Pending?
It depends on the school. Each university has its own admission department. If you are hoping to attend the University of Northern Colorado, the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, or another school, then contact our office.
How is a Drug DUI Viewed?
This is a serious charge because you not only drove while impaired, but you also had illegal drugs in your possession. School officials would frown at a drug DUI, which can also impact your financial aid. Contact an attorney immediately if you were arrested for a drug DUI.
What Steps Can a Student Take When Facing a DUI?
Students are not powerless. If you have recently been charged with DUI, then you can immediately do the following to improve your ability to stay in school and obtain your degree.
Seek legal help. An experienced DUI lawyer can discuss your options:
- Getting charges dismissed
- Beating the charges
- Seeking a favorable plea deal to reduce the charges
Depending on your criminal history and other factors surrounding the arrest, you might be able to plead down to a non-DUI charge. An experienced attorney should handle the plea negotiations to improve the odds of a successful resolution.
Remember to stay focused on your studies. It’s easy to lose focus when you are thinking about a criminal charge. But you need to continue to excel academically so the school does not have another reason to suspend you.
You might also consider entering rehab or obtaining treatment for an alcohol or drug problem. That shows you are proactively treating any chemical abuse problem.
A Swift Response is Best
Any accusation of DUI or DWAI requires a prompt response. Students and their families should not let the process play out and simply hope for the best. Secure the services of an experienced DUI lawyer at Bruno Lilly Leclere.
Our firm can:
- Review all evidence, including the police report, witness statements, and any chemical test results.
- Analyze your criminal history, including any previous traffic violations or DUI arrests.
- Help you take concrete steps to improve the chances of getting charges dropped or reduced and staying in school.
- Recommend the correct defense strategy based on the state’s evidence.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for a plea deal that will minimize the fallout.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
A Northern Colorado DUI lawyer is only a phone call away and can discuss the arrest, your prior history, and your college. We believe students make mistakes; they should not suffer unduly harsh consequences. Contact us to learn more about the process for defending against DUI charges, or give us a call at (720) 340-1373 to schedule your confidential consultation.