How a DUI Conviction Can Negatively Impact a Young Life

A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction can have a devastating effect on a young persons’ career and reputation. Many reading this article are parents to high schoolers, college students, and young people who are just now discovering themselves as young adults. They’re living their lives as those of that age do; going out with their friends; partying and enjoying all that life has to offer.

Unfortunately, many of them have yet to develop the maturity level we have when it comes to deciding whether it’s best to give up their keys and seek alternative transportation home rather than drive themselves. Many young people don’t have a clue how devastating and lasting the effects of having a DUI conviction on their record can be. In my discussions with young people about this subject I’ve found that the best way to drive the message home is to illustrate how such an event could personally affect them.

What follows is just some of the ways a DUI conviction can negatively affect the lives of young people:

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE – While it’s certainly possible to get accepted to the college of their choice the chances are against it, of course, that depends in large part on which college. Factors that come into play are; the college’s prestige and acceptance rate. For example, Emory and Georgia Tech have the 1st and 2nd lowest acceptance rates of all colleges in the state and require exceptionally high standards to be accepted. With requirements as stringent as those, it’s safe to assume you’re not going to be accepted with a DUI conviction. On the other hand, the University of Georgia, the largest in the state, has a 49% acceptance rate and as long as the applicant is completely honest about the DUI when completing the misconduct section there’s a halfway decent chance they’ll be accepted provided they meet all the other acceptance criteria. If an applicant fails to disclose their DUI and later on it’s discovered the student can be dismissed. Besides being generally accepted there are certain career fields that may be off-limits such as nursing (a DUI conviction can prevent you from taking the NCLEX certification exam), pharmacy, dental hygienist, etc.

CURRENT COLLEGE STUDENTS – Every college and university has a code of conduct that governs student behavior both on and off-campus. Some have informal resolution procedures to deal with DUI charges, some have more formalized procedures, and some have both. The bottom line is, “there will be repercussions” to deal with. Sanctions can range from simply being placed on probation, suspension, or even expulsion from the school. That’s in addition to the legal ramifications they’ll have to deal with in whatever jurisdiction they were arrested.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS – Finally, those that are no longer in college and just starting their professional careers can also be negatively impacted by a DUI. A career in the military probably won’t be an option without a waiver and a critical skill set that is in high demand by the particular branch they apply to. There are also other certain federal agencies that will be off-limits; the FBI, DEA, CIA, NSA, and various other agencies that require a top-secret clearance. Finally, did I mention that it stays on their record forever? There is no expungement of a DUI in GA.

Contact Attorney Preston Fleming at The Fleming Firm to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION. He can be reached, (844)DUI-LAW1 or

[email protected]. You can also simply complete the contact form at www.theflemingfirm.com and submit it. Someone from our firm will reach out to you within 24 hours.