How to Help Your College Student After a First DUI in Orange County?

Wondering how to help your college student after a first DUI in Orange County? A parent’s support after facing criminal charges is critical to their child’s academic success as well as avoiding a similar incident in the future. The defense attorneys at Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, have extensive experience representing college students against DUI charges.

Student Drinking and College DUIs in Orange County

It is prohibited by law for any California citizen to drive while under the influence of alcohol or intoxicated by drugs. Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit, 0.08 percent for adults 21 or older and anything above 0.0 for underage drivers, or suspected of illegal drug use, can be arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI).

The state’s drinking and driving laws also apply to the population of college and university students who reside in and travel to Orange County. Law enforcement is frequently on high alert for potential intoxicated drivers near schools like Cal State and Concordia University Irvine.

According to a 2021 survey, 49 percent of students aged 18 to 22 who attended college full-time had consumed alcohol within the previous month. Approximately 27 percent of college students also reported having engaged in binge drinking during that time frame. These rates remained roughly the same in the 2023 version of the survey, with the percentage of students who engaged in recent binge drinking rising slightly to 29 percent.

Criminal Process for College DUI Charges in CA

One of the most proactive ways to protect yourself after a DUI arrest in California is by seeking out experienced legal counsel. A qualified college DUI defense attorney can represent you or your college student in all court appearances and proceedings, working to secure a favorable outcome. If convicted, the legal sentencing for a first-time DUI can include jail time, fines, a license suspension, and other possible penalties.

For a first-time DUI in Orange County, the case may likely be processed at the Central Justice Center, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana, CA 92701. This is the main venue for criminal cases within the county, but the specific courthouse can vary depending on where the arrest itself took place, potentially falling into a different geographic jurisdiction.

Defense lawyers with experience representing college DUI cases are also skilled in representing students within the academic proceedings that often occur simultaneously to the criminal proceedings. Each college has different penalties for when a student faces DUI charges, but may include disciplinary actions such as probation, expulsion, or a loss of scholarship and other benefits.

Ways to Help Your College Student After a First DUI

Besides helping your child find effective legal counsel, there are other important ways that parents can help their child following a first-time DUI. A parent’s continuous, positive influence on their child’s life is often underestimated as a preventive factor in similar future incidents. During a time when your child is likely feeling vulnerable, it’s helpful to be an understanding and supportive figure in their life.

While it can be comforting to remind your college student that their first-time DUI was a mistake, it’s also critical to ensure they understand the dangers of harmful drinking behaviors or drug abuse. You can help your child by discussing the risks that such reckless activity poses to their academic and personal life. Underage or excessive drinking can make students more susceptible to falling behind in their classwork or making uninformed decisions.

It’s also critical that your child can recognize the signs of alcohol overdose or substance abuse and that they know where to access professional resources, whether for themselves or a friend. Consider looking into their school’s alcohol abuse prevention efforts or even encouraging your child to participate in an alcohol education program.

FAQs

Q: Should a College Student Get a DUI Defense Lawyer?

A: It is always strongly recommended for anyone, including college students, to seek the help of a qualified DUI defense lawyer. It’s equally crucial for college and university students to have experienced legal counsel since they face the risk of academic punishment in addition to criminal penalties. A defense attorney is there to explain the criminal court process, provide insightful advice, and guide you throughout the proceedings. Your lawyer advocates for your rights.

Q: What Do Colleges Do If a Student Is Arrested for DUI?

A: When a student is arrested for driving while intoxicated, the school may conduct its own investigation and proceedings independently of the criminal case. A skilled college DUI defense lawyer can represent students during these academic proceedings, which occur simultaneously to the court process. If convicted, colleges can impose their own penalties against the student. Disciplinary action may include suspension or probation from the institution, or the loss of a scholarship or other financial aid.

Q: How Can I Help My College Student After a DUI Charge?

A: After your college-age child has been charged with or convicted of a first DUI, it’s important to provide your support. Make sure your child knows the legal and academic consequences of the offense, in addition to the dangers of harmful drinking behaviors and drug abuse. You may also encourage your child to participate in an alcohol education program.

Q: Can DUI Charges Be Dismissed in Orange County, CA?

A: Yes, it is possible for DUI charges to be dismissed in Orange County, California. A DUI case may be dismissed early on if there was an obvious error during the arrest or if there’s minimal evidence against the defendant. Your lawyer may also be able to get the charges dropped through various defense strategies or arguments. For example, an attorney may argue that the breathalyzer test was inaccurate.

DUI Defense Lawyers for Your College Student

Our team at the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, is prepared to assist you in securing the most optimal results possible given your circumstances. Contact us today to speak with a skilled college DUI defense attorney.