What college student doesn’t enjoy partying and hanging out with friends? Youthful exuberance demands it! This joie de vivre, combined with peer pressure to participate in drinking games and similar activities, make it easy to understand why a designated driver might end up drinking himself. However, allowing yourself to go down this path is risky and dangerous; and, you should be aware of the long-term consequences.
Whether you are a designated driver or simply a guest at the party, it is vital to keep a close eye on your alcohol intake. Binge drinking is a national pastime for hundreds of thousands of young people, and it leads to the deaths of approximately 1,700 college student every year. Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in America. Even if you manage to get through a night of drinking without causing anyone serious physical harm, you could do serious damage to your own life if you are convicted of driving while intoxicated. The consequences of a single DWI arrest can cascade like dominoes.
1. Expulsion From School
Most colleges and universities have a code of conduct that prohibits students from participating in illegal behavior. Because a DWI is typically charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, your school could choose to expel you after your conviction. If you are arrested for a DWI, it is important to contact an attorney. Without skilled legal representation, your odds of being acquitted will be very low, especially if you fail a breathalyzer test. Whether you’re faced with California statutes or NJ penalties DWI lawyers in your community will know how to guide you through the court system.
2. Difficulty Finding a Job
The current state of the economy is such that securing gainful employment is a challenge for nearly everyone. If your license is suspended as the result of a DWI arrest, it will only make it that much tougher to land a good job. Aside from the obvious inconvenience of being unable to drive, the DWI will go on your permanent record. This criminal record will follow you for the rest of your life, slamming shut many of the doors of opportunity through which you try to walk.
3. Paying Legal Fees
Your drink may be cheap, but drunk driving is expensive. Legal fees for a DWI typically soar to approximately $10,000. The financial burden of meeting this legal obligation can easily compromise your ability to complete school and graduate.
Enjoy the summer with friends, but remember to give sober reflection to the idea of becoming the designated driver in your group. And if you’re just along for the ride, remember that one night’s partying and one arrest for drinking while intoxicated can derail the rest of your life.
LaGeris Underwood Bell offers this article to students enjoying summer vacation in the hope that they will be inspired to make wise choices while socializing. In the event of a mishap, Levow & Associates are familiar with the NJ penalties DWI the arrested face every day and are ready to work closely with clients to get their lives back on track.
Photo #1 http://www.flickr.com/photos/schmilblick/2452254380/
Photo #2 http://www.flickr.com/photos/76657755@N04/7027604401/
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