College and high school students enjoy numerous breaks from class throughout the year. Spring break is one of the school breaks with the strongest association with partying and travel. Students have a week or longer away from class and may travel across the state or attend local parties.
Young adults may find themselves arrested for drunk driving and facing criminal charges because of the choices that they make while celebrating spring break. They may need help responding to avoid the worst-case outcome in such scenarios.
What are the possible penalties?
Tennessee has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking. Motorists who are not yet 21 years old can face DUI charges for a blood alcohol concentration of as low as 0.02%, which is a quarter of the BAC limit for those who can legally drink.
Drivers could face secondary charges in cases where they had passengers under the age of 18 in the vehicle at the time of their arrest and more serious charges if they have prior convictions or cause injury to others. Even without aggravating factors, an underage drunk driving charge can carry serious penalties.
A youthful offender facing underage impaired driving charges can expect to lose their driver’s license for a year. They typically need to pay a fine of $250, as well as court costs. The courts can require that they perform community service. Thankfully, underage drunk driving offenses typically do not result in either probation or jail time. If the defendant is over the age of 18, however, they could face a lifelong misdemeanor criminal record.
Additionally, students have to consider the impact that a conviction could have on their educational prospects. Currently-enrolled college students could be at risk of the school ending their enrollment or putting them on academic probation because of a criminal conviction.
A conviction that shows up on a criminal background check could limit a high school student’s chances of securing enrollment at competitive educational institutions. Convictions can also affect eligibility for private scholarships and school-based financial aid.
Students need support
Many young adults accused of breaking the law do not understand the gravity of the situation or how their choices now could affect their lives for years to come. College students and high school students facing impaired driving charges likely need help understanding the allegations against them and the best path forward.
There may be several different defense strategies that can help students avoid spring break drunk driving convictions. Some people question the legality of a traffic stop. Others may be able to present medical evidence that raises questions about the accuracy of chemical test results.
Discussing what led to a student’s spring break arrest with a skilled legal team can help young adults avoid the worst consequences possible. An attorney can help a student develop a strong defense strategy when accused of drunk driving.