Will You Get Kicked Out of College for a Drug or Alcohol Arrest?
You went out with college friends for a night of fun, but you got pulled over and arrested on the way home for DUI. The arrest has left you scared about your future at school – will professors find out? Will you get kicked out?
- Double Consequences for Many Student DUIs
Unfortunately, many college students suffer from double consequences when they get arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They face not only criminal charges, but also potential discipline at school.
Colleges and universities often have codes of conduct that prohibit drinking and driving, drug use, and underage drinking. As a student, you may never have read the code of conduct or know if one exists. But the code may impose probation or even expulsion on you because of your arrest.
- Lower Standard of Proof
When you go to court for criminal charges, the prosecutor has to prove that you did it beyond a reasonable doubt. This is called the “burden of proof” or “standard of proof”. If your school accuses you of a code of conduct violation, no such high standard applies. The school can find you guilty of violating the code on very flimsy evidence. And you may not have the right to a lawyer during the hearing, like you would during a criminal case.
- Other Privileges Taken Away
The consequences that the university may impose are not limited to expelling you or putting you on probation. You could get kicked off the sports team, lose your on-campus housing, or jeopardize your scholarship. If you belong to a fraternity or sorority, both you and the Greek organization could face penalties too. The rules on every campus differ, so you need to figure out your rights immediately.
- Even Worse If You Are Underage
Your school probably takes underage drinking more seriously than drinking by juniors and seniors who are over age 21. If you are a minor and were arrested for DUI, you have a tough road ahead of you. You will face greater legal consequences if convicted, and potentially more problems at school. Seek out legal help to reduce the impact on your future.
If you need representation in an Oklahoma court for a DUI charge, seek out the attorney who teaches other attorneys and law enforcement about sobriety testing techniques. Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor now using his trial experience and expert-level knowledge of DUI science to defend drivers, may be able to challenge gas chromatography testing for you. To schedule a case evaluation, visit Patterson Law Firm online or call Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.