While a DUI or DWI conviction is a matter that everyone should take seriously, it carries potentially unforeseen consequences for a college student.
Penalties and punishments for DWI can include large fines, loss of driving privileges, and even serving time behind bars. Sadly, younger people who are either in college or are applying to colleges often are not aware that such information has lifelong consequences, as they will become part of their permanent record.
It can be challenging enough to get admitted into the college of your choice. Apart from passing the entrance exam and submitting letters of reference and lengthy essays, colleges may also ask for information on your criminal history and records of arrest on your application.
Although a DWI on your criminal record may not automatically prevent you from being accepted in a higher education institution, you may have some difficulties with your application. The school may still admit you if you have either completed or agreed to complete a drug or alcohol counseling or rehabilitation program.
Failing to disclose the DWI may also hurt any chances of being accepted, particularly if you lie about having a charge and the school discovers that you falsified your application according to their admission policies.
Many schools have a policy that students charged with a crime while enrolled must report the incident to the school within a specific timeframe or otherwise may face temporary suspension or expulsion. In some schools, a conviction may lead to immediate expulsion.
Depending on the school, a DWI may result in your loss of financial aid or scholarships, loss of school-related privileges such as library use, loss of student housing, and conduct probation. In some cases, college athletes convicted of DWI may be suspended from a number of games or dismissed from their team entirely. Some college may impose penalties for a DWI charge, regardless of whether you are actually convicted.
If your college does not punish you for your actions, the DWI penalties of your state may still indirectly affect your grades. Jail time, for instance, will prevent you from attending your classes and may lead to a drop in your grades.
College students need to understand the gravity of their actions and decisions. A DWI conviction does not end in the courtroom. In fact, it will not only affect your school attendance and your future career – but other aspects of your life such as your ability to rent an apartment or borrow money from the bank.
A felony DWI conviction may be particularly troublesome, since you must disclose your conviction on future job applications, particularly for fields that require licensure such as nursing or law.
A DWI conviction could possibly jeopardize college admissions, scholarships, college loans, extracurricular activities, employment opportunities, and countless other future opportunities. If you are a college student and are facing a DWI charge, then it is best that you seek help from an experienced and knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible.
Source: DUI and Future Opportunities: Employment & Education, published on https://criminal-law.freeadvice.com/criminal-law/drunk_driving/dui-future-opportunities.htm.
