Drinking has long been a favorite pastime of college students, and binge drinking is a popular method of alcohol consumption, both privately and publicly.
It is not unusual for law enforcement to stop underage binge drinkers on suspicion of DUI. But how would a conviction change the young driver’s life?
About binge drinking
Binge drinking is a pattern of alcohol consumption favored by college students. Instead of having one or two alcoholic drinks every day, the binge drinker may choose one day a week to have multiple alcoholic beverages. For men, it is usually five drinks or more in the space of two hours. For women, the volume is normally four drinks or more over the same period. This will result in a blood alcohol content level of 0.08% or above.
School rules
Every college or university has regulations that students must follow or face disciplinary hearings. The result of disciplinary action could be as minor as a warning or as devastating as expulsion. However, institutions of higher learning also offer counseling for issues such as alcohol dependency to help students curb activities that could seriously affect their education.
DUI consequences
A DUI conviction can adversely affect a student’s education and post-graduate opportunities. For example, recruiters routinely perform background checks. They may choose a candidate with a clean record for a key position over an applicant they feel may have a drinking problem. A DUI conviction may also disqualify someone who needs state licensing for a certain type of career such as law, medicine or education. Fortunately, binge drinking is rarely addictive. Sound legal guidance and a successful defense strategy will help the young driver facing a DUI charge protect his or her college career and plans for the future