While a night out on the town comes with fun, it also increases the chances of making poor choices due to alcohol.
When college students in Pennsylvania find themselves facing public intoxication charges, the repercussions can be significant.
1. Academic fallout
One of the immediate impacts of public intoxication charges is the potential for academic consequences. Most colleges and universities have codes of conduct that students must adhere to, and public intoxication charges may violate these codes. This can lead to disciplinary actions such as suspension or expulsion, disrupting the student’s educational journey and future prospects.
2. Financial burden
Public intoxication charges often come with fines and court fees. College students are already grappling with the financial strain of tuition, books and living expenses. Adding legal expenses to the mix can be overwhelming. These financial burdens can further hinder their ability to focus on their studies and succeed academically.
3. Criminal record
A conviction for public intoxication can result in a criminal record, which can haunt a student long after graduation. This record can impact their ability to secure employment, housing or even financial aid for future educational endeavors. It becomes a lasting blemish on their record, making it harder to move forward in life.
4. Educational and career goals
Public intoxication charges can also derail a student’s long-term educational and career goals. Some professions require background checks, and a criminal record can be a barrier to entry. Students may have to rethink their career choices or invest additional time and effort to overcome these legal obstacles.
Every year, approximately 316,032 arrests happened due to public intoxication. While every case is different, college students may face more hurdles in overcoming these charges.