The risk of getting a DUI at the University of Georgia

The University of Georgia is an icon across the Southeast known for their sports programs as well as their excellent location in Athens, Georgia. The University of Georgia campus sprawls over hundreds of acres in Athens, and the one thing you see everywhere are bars. With 30,000 students, there are plenty around to accommodate them all.  

Along with these bars comes plenty of DUI's in Athens. Our office has received dozens of calls from UGA students that have been arrested for a DUI. Every client says they never thought they would be in this position and are rightfully worried about how this will affect their future. Alcohol-related offenses come with substantial punishments including revocation of driver's license, fines, alcohol courses, community service, and probation. However, a DUI in college could also result in losing the HOPE scholarship or athletic scholarships. Our UGA DUI Attorneys are here to help.

Some examples of crimes related to alcohol that UGA students could be charged with:

• Underage DUI: People under the age of 21 should not be drinking, but if they are arrested, they will be charged with an underage DUI. 
• Disorderly Conduct: Disorderly conduct is unruly behavior that constitutes a minor disturbance. Most of the time disorderly conduct is alcohol involved. 
• Public Drunkenness: While most people are aware that it is against the law to drink and drive, they may not be aware that being visibly drunk in public is also a criminal offense. 
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP): Even if you have not been drinking, if you are under the age of 21 and found with alcohol in your possession, you will be charged with MIP. One interesting thing about MIP comes into play when the parties and alcohol are at a private home. Whether or not the owner is responsible for the gathering, the person that is responsible for the house will be held accountable for any underage drinking at the party. If underage people are coming to the event, it is in your best interest to go somewhere else to avoid this issue.

If you attend the University of Georgia and have received a DUI, do not think your life is over and your only option is to plead guilty! The Offices of Lawson and Berry have more than 20 years of DUI experience and are here to help you with your case today. Call us for a free case evaluation from one of our Athens DUI Lawyers, because your situation is not hopeless! Go Dawgs!!