You’ve spent years preparing for college – studying hard, earning good grades, and participating in extracurricular activities. But one mistake, like a DUI arrest, can put your higher education goals in jeopardy.
If you or your child is facing DUI charges in Georgia, here’s what you need to know about the potential impact on college admissions.
In Georgia, drivers under 21 can be charged with DUI if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of just 0.02% or higher (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(k)(1)). That’s a much lower threshold than the 0.08% limit for drivers over 21. Essentially, any measurable amount of alcohol can lead to an underage DUI arrest.
Most college applications, including the Common App used by many Georgia schools, ask about an applicant’s criminal history. These questions typically cover convictions, adjudications, and, in some cases, arrests or charges that were later dismissed.
While juvenile records are often sealed, all offenses, including DUI, are charged as an adult crime for individuals 17 and older in Georgia. This means the arrest and any conviction would likely need to be disclosed on college applications.
Even when the juvenile court records are sealed, DUI convictions will still appear on the individual’s driver’s history.
Colleges consider a variety of factors when reviewing applications, and a DUI conviction is definitely a red flag that can jeopardize a student’s chances of admission. Admissions officers may view it as a sign of poor judgment, lack of maturity, or even a potential safety risk to other students.
However, one mistake doesn’t have to define a student’s future. Many colleges provide space for applicants to explain any criminal history and steps they’ve taken to learn from the experience. A strong academic record, compelling personal statement, and evidence of taking responsibility and making positive changes can help counterbalance a DUI conviction.
Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to college applications. Failing to disclose a criminal conviction, if asked directly, is considered lying on the application and can result in an automatic denial or even reversal of an acceptance later on.
If your child has a DUI conviction on their record, it’s best to be upfront about it and use the available space to provide context and take accountability. An experienced DUI defense lawyer can help your family craft a thoughtful disclosure statement that presents the situation in the best possible light.
In addition to affecting admissions, a DUI conviction can impact a student’s eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. For example, the Georgia HOPE Scholarship, which covers a significant portion of tuition at in-state public colleges, has conduct requirements that can be violated by a drug-related conviction.
In most circumstances, DUIs will not disqualify someone from a HOPE Scholarship, but getting confirmation of this for your circumstance can be helpful.
Federal student aid can also be suspended for certain drug convictions, although DUI offenses typically don’t fall under this ban. However, any financial aid tied to specific schools or programs may be jeopardized by a criminal conviction, so it’s important to review the terms carefully.
If your child is facing a DUI charge in high school or college, their entire educational path can be disrupted. In addition to the criminal penalties, they may face disciplinary action from their current school and barriers to admission at their chosen college. That’s why it’s so critical to mount a strong defense and seek to minimize the consequences of an arrest or conviction.
At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we defend students accused of DUI and other criminal offenses throughout metro Atlanta and North Georgia, with offices in Fulton, Cobb, and Cherokee Counties. We understand how much is at stake for your child’s future and will fight tirelessly to protect their rights and educational opportunities.
When you contact our firm, the first step is determining whether we’re a good fit to work together. If we both decide to move forward, we will focus on your family’s goals and priorities as we:
Every step we take is guided by your family’s unique goals. Contact our firm to request a consultation and learn how we can help.
Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm
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