Robert H. Astor DUI/DWI Law Blog on Lawyers.com

College Students Need Legal Help for DUI Violations

Friday, December 9, 2011 by Robert H. Astor

Soon after the school year starts, drinking parties get into full swing because many students arrive with a history of high school drinking. Some develop drinking problems that last a lifetime.

Underage drinking and drivingFrom a legal standpoint, other negative consequences can plague teenagers and 20-somethings well into their futures. An arrest for operating under the influence (OUI) or driving under the influence (DUI), both of which are acronyms for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is a criminal offense Massachusetts takes seriously.

State penalties for a first drunk driving offense can include up to 30 months in jail, license suspension, and fines of up to $5,000. DUI is determined by blood or breath tests that show a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or above, which can result from four or five drinks. An experienced drunk driving attorney can better explain the ramifications of a DUI arrest.

Sobering realitiesDangerous or excessive alcohol consumption can also affect the academic and professional prospects of otherwise promising students. For example, the University of Massachusetts Amherst cites the following sanctions for violations of its University Alcohol and Drug Policies:

First Offense: Housing probation for one year and a Basics 1 $100 fee
Second Offense: Housing removal deferred for one year and a Basics 2 $175 fee
Third Offense: Permanent housing removal and restriction from current residence hall and a Basics 3 $175 fee, as well as University probation and suspension

Smith College, Hampshire College, Western New England University and Westfield State University are among other prominent Springfield/Northampton area colleges with strict alcohol and drug policies.

Contact us

Because alcohol abuse increases the risk of injuries and high-risk behaviors, these colleges say their policies are intended to keep students safe. However, if police stop your college-age son or daughter for drunk driving, it is critical to obtain the best legal advice and aggressive representation from a qualified DUI lawyer at the Law Offices of Robert H. Astor.

Posted at 14:28 PM

Topic: DUI/DWI