Lawyers in College Station and Waco representing cases across Texas
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(254) 781-3416 Getting charged with College Station campus alcohol-related offenses can have potentially severe consequences for students. Depending on the nature of the charge, you could be facing a misdemeanor or felony. A conviction can derail your future, making obtaining professional licensing, finding jobs, and continuing your education difficult.
You may be subject to disciplinary proceedings when the offense occurs on campus that may or may not include Title IX. Even in non-Title IX disciplinary proceedings, you are entitled to the help of a professional student defense attorney in the disciplinary process. Schedule a consultation with our legal team today to discuss your case.
College Station students can face several types of alcohol-related charges even if they are of drinking age, including supplying minors with alcohol and driving under the influence.
People under 21 who are in possession of alcohol could be found guilty of a Minor in Possession (MIP), a class C misdemeanor. The punishment for a first-offense MIP is a maximum $500 fine. However, subsequent offenses can increase the punishment.
Many students do not realize that they can get an MIP even if they are not drinking alcohol. In addition to possession, MIP includes constructive possession, which can happen in many scenarios, including cleaning up cans or cups with alcohol in them.
Students over 21 may find themselves in alcohol-related legal trouble. Supplying minors with alcohol is a Class A misdemeanor and can result in up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
Additionally, driving while intoxicated (DWI) can impact students of all ages. For drivers 21 and older, DWI requires a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.
For drivers under 21, any BAC can support a DWI charge. First offenses are misdemeanors unless they result in injuries, death, or a person has a child passenger. Potential penalties for a DWI conviction include the following:
Sustaining criminal penalties requires a conviction. Fortunately, there are many ways to defend against an alcohol-related charge. In some instances, first offenders can qualify for deferred adjudication and have charges dismissed after completing a period without additional criminal charges.
Students may face disciplinary action for alcohol-related offenses. The consequences can include suspension or expulsion from your college or university. Even if you do not face these penalties, a negative result can impact your academic future, such as your ability to get into graduate school or pursue career plans.
The student disciplinary process is separate from the criminal process. However, successfully getting a dismissal of your case in criminal court can go a long way towards helping you in your disciplinary process.
Intoxication often leads to impaired judgment and events that may complicate the disciplinary process. Title IX is a federal law that protects access to college regardless of gender. It specifically prohibits sexual assault, sexual harassment, and gender-based discrimination.
Your college or university must take any of these charges seriously, so it is vital to get the help of a College Station lawyer if you are accused of these behaviors in connection to your alcohol-related offense.
If you or your child has recently been charged with College Station campus alcohol-related offenses, do not hesitate to seek legal support. These accusations can significantly impact your college experience and future, even if no conviction comes of it.
Our team of hardworking lawyers could review your case and help build a solid defense. Schedule an initial consultation today to discuss your situation with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.
979-779-2000 