How a DUI Charge Can Ruin a College Student’s Future in California?

Everyone makes mistakes, but sometimes, one bad decision can result in life-changing and long-lasting consequences that can prevent you from pursuing future goals. If you have been charged with a DUI and are wondering how a DUI charge can ruin a college student’s future in California, hiring a DUI defense lawyer can help.

It is understandable to feel overwhelmed. At the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, we believe this is all the more reason to enlist the assistance of a skilled DUI attorney.

How Can a DUI Charge Ruin a College Student’s Future in California?

It is common for students facing a DUI conviction to wonder how a DUI charge could ruin a college student’s future in California. Hiring a DUI defense lawyer could be the very thing standing in the way of you being found guilty and left alone to handle the consequences. Instead of trying to sort things out alone, you can seek the help of the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC.

Before you do, you may benefit from gaining a bit of an understanding as to how a DUI conviction can impact your freedoms as a college student.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime that an individual may be accused of if law enforcement has a reason to suspect that the person is operating a vehicle while intoxicated, high, or on a higher dosage of prescription medication than their doctor has authorized.

According to a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly one drunk driving-related death occurs every 45 minutes in the United States. California’s law enforcement and court officials are known for taking driving law violations seriously, handling a total of just over 96,000 DUI arrests in 2022 alone.

In California, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for individuals above the legal drinking age is 0.08%. If you do not meet the legal drinking age at the time of the incident, you could be charged with a DUI if any amount of alcohol is detected in your blood. If your BAC level is 0.15% or above, you will most likely end up facing felony charges, which can lead to more severe consequences in the event of conviction.

There is a lot at risk for an individual who has been accused of driving under the influence in the state of California. If you receive a guilty verdict in a DUI case, you could be fined around $10,000, even for a first-time conviction. Your license could also be suspended or even revoked. Your insurance premium usually takes a hit as well. This could make paying college tuition and getting to class much harder than it was before.

To make matters worse, your university is legally allowed to expel you for being convicted of driving under the influence. This means that your plans and goals could be permanently thrown off because of one poor decision. While you cannot go back in time and choose not to get behind the wheel, you can still tap into what is potentially one of your greatest tools to avoid expulsion and other DUI-related consequences: hiring a DUI defense lawyer.

Why Should I Hire a DUI Lawyer in California?

If you choose to hire a DUI lawyer, you will most likely find it to be deeply beneficial to the success of your case. Not only can your lawyer help you build your case, but they can also present it on your behalf in a court of law. Your lawyer can advocate for you and your rights, evaluate the relevance and efficacy of evidence gathered by the prosecution, and determine whether or not potential miscarriages of justice may have occurred.

FAQs:

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a DUI Lawyer in California?

A: Due to the unique variables that come with every charge, the precise cost of hiring a DUI lawyer tends to vary case by case in California. Some common factors can impact your overall price, including the amount of time needed for your case and the level of complexity that it presents. At the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, we work hard to help you get the results you want and try to make every expenditure feel worthwhile.

Q: Can You Get Expelled From Your University if You Are Convicted of a DUI in California?

A: In the state of California, your college or university is legally allowed to expel you if you are convicted of a DUI. This is just one example of why it is important to utilize every possible asset to prevent a guilty verdict, starting with hiring the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, to represent you. With our help, you can work to avoid conviction, potentially preventing expulsion from the school you worked so hard to get into.

Q: Can You Get a DUI Conviction Expunged From Your Record in California?

A: Yes, it is possible to get your DUI conviction expunged from your record in the state of California, but it is far from guaranteed. Also, if you are convicted during the time you are enrolled in a college or university, you may be expelled, and getting your record expunged may not be enough to ensure that you will be invited back. A DUI conviction can set you back at school, as well as in other areas of your life.

Q: Can You Represent Yourself in Your DUI Case in California?

A: While it is perfectly legal to represent yourself in a DUI case in the state of California, many individuals find that hiring a DUI lawyer can provide an extra element of confidence and clarity, therefore equipping you to succeed. There is too much at risk for you not to utilize every tool at your disposal. Hiring a DUI defense lawyer may be the one thing standing between expulsion from your school and graduating in the near future.

Get More Information Today

With so much at stake, you need a competent DUI lawyer to ensure your case is given a chance to succeed. Contact the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, today to schedule a consultation.