It is common for parents to feel intense pride when they send a teenager off to college. After all, not only did they see their child graduate from high school, but their child now wants to continue their education in pursuit of a rewarding or lucrative career. However, much of that pride can evaporate in seconds when parents get a call from a student facing legal challenges. Young adults attending college can easily make mistakes. They might experiment with drugs and alcohol and could break the law while doing so.
In some cases, young adults make the mistake of trying to drive home from a bar or party after consuming alcohol. They might then fail a breath test if police officers pull them over. The state can pursue driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges against college students who cause crashes, drive poorly or fail chemical tests. Students left to their own devices could face long-term setbacks because of one mistake or misunderstanding.
Students facing charges need help, not more punishment
Parents may want to use a tough-love approach in such cases. They decide to leave a young adult to sort out their own challenges. That could end up being a mistake that results in a lifetime of negative repercussions. Criminal records are forever. Just because someone was a college student when they broke the law does not mean that the state gives them any extra consideration. A college student accused of a DWI might actually face worse consequences than someone who has already completed their education or never goes to college.
A student might lose their enrollment. They might also be at risk of losing their financial aid. Rules for federal student aid have become more lenient about criminal convictions in recent years. However, private scholarships offered by schools and organizations could be at risk after a criminal conviction. Students may not be able to renew existing scholarships and may have a hard time qualifying for private financial aid in the future.
Even if they avoid the worst penalties the courts might impose, a criminal record could hold them back from opportunities for years to come. While they may finish their degree with some support, they could continue to struggle to find gainful employment indefinitely.
It is normal to feel disappointed and even angry about a young adult breaking the law at college, but leaving them to deal with the aftermath of their mistake alone could truly worsen their situation. Parents may need to offer financial support and practical guidance to college students facing DWI accusations. Avoiding a DWI conviction could help them continue their education and move on to better things in life.