College is a time of learning and personal growth. Students tend to learn as much in their personal relationships as they do in class during college. Unfortunately, some of the lessons college student learns come the hard way. They make major mistakes that can alter the course of their lives.
Some students even break the law in their attempt to experiment and learn about the world. While college students may not fully consider the long-term consequences of their actions, a simple mistake can have life-altering effects on college students.
Criminal charges brought against young adults enrolled in college can forever change their path in life. The three criminal charges outlined below are arguably the most common that students face. Students accused of these crimes may need help handling their charges.
Minor in possession charges
Many young adults first begin experimenting with alcohol while at college. They usually don’t wait until they turn 21 to do so. They may attend parties on campus or off campus where older students or even adults provide them with alcohol. Young adults caught physically possessing and consuming alcohol could face minor in possession charges. So could young adults who fail chemical tests after they have consumed alcohol. Such charges can affect college enrollment and may saddle a young adult with an embarrassing criminal record.
Impaired driving charges
Drinking on its own can be illegal for a young adult, but what they do afterward can be even more dangerous. Many young people do not understand how easy it is to underestimate their level of intoxication. They may think they are sober enough to drive home. Unfortunately, they might be over the legal limit. Especially if they are under the age of 21, even a small amount of alcohol in their bloodstream might lead to impaired driving charges. Drunk driving allegations can lead to jail time and a driver’s license suspension. A conviction might also put a student at risk of losing their college enrollment or their financial aid.
Drug charges
Alcohol is not the only substance that students experiment with during college. They may try a variety of different drugs, ranging from prescription medications not prescribed to them to outright prohibited drugs that are illegal nationwide.
If they get caught in possession of those drugs or while under the influence of those drugs, they could very easily find themselves facing drug charges. Drug convictions can lead to a permanent criminal record and can have a variety of consequences for those enrolled in college.
Parents who feel frustrated by a young adult’s criminal experimentation may still need to help them as they respond to their pending criminal charges. Otherwise, their college career might be over, and their plans for the future may be much harder to accomplish.
