Pennsylvania is home to many successful colleges with thousands of students enrolled in pursuit of degrees. Those students often engage in many social activities outside of class that can have implications on their education and beyond.
For example, college parties are notorious for being incredibly wild. Young adults who aren’t old enough to drink yet can potentially get their hands on alcohol. Students of all ages can experiment with drugs in a social environment.
People do get arrested for possession of drugs or being a minor in possession of alcohol at parties or immediately after leaving them. Others get arrested because they drive home after drinking at a college party. What many college students don’t understand is that their chance of a driving under the influence (DUI) arrest may be higher than it is for older adults.
Special limits apply to underage drivers
Many people are already aware that Pennsylvania and other states impose a strict limit on a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Anyone who fails a chemical test by producing a result of 0.08% or higher could be subject to DUI prosecution. Typically, someone with a BAC of 0.08% or higher displays some degree of impairment. However, young adults who cannot yet legally drink could get arrested for a much lower BAC.
Pennsylvania has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers drinking before they get behind the wheel. Much lower test results can lead to a DUI arrest. A driver under the age of 21 can get arrested for a BAC of 0.02% or higher. At that level, the young adult may not display any signs of impairment and may feel almost completely sober.
College students accused of DUI offenses can face a variety of criminal penalties and the long-term chilling effect of a criminal record on their careers. They may also face various college-related consequences. Some schools expel students after criminal convictions. Other institutions may put students on academic probation or revoke their private financial aid.
Understanding what constitutes a DUI offense can help young adults make smarter choices while away at college. Parents who hear of a student’s arrest may need to help them respond appropriately to protect their future.