On-campus parties may seem like a rite of passage for many young college students away from home for the first time; however, too often, one night of poor decisions can lead to a lifetime of consequences. Alcohol-related offenses are common in Florida and on campuses across the country. These crimes can include underage drinking, driving under the influence, or even public intoxication.
Conviction of one of these crimes can lead to costly fines and embarrassment, and depending on the severity, it may also result in academic consequences like probation, suspension, or expulsion. If you are facing criminal charges for an alcohol-related incident on your college campus, call the experienced criminal defense Attorneys at Leifert and Leifert to learn how to protect your rights and preserve your future.
Driving Under the Influence
Under Florida law, driving under the influence (DUI) means someone is accused of operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or greater. In many cases, such charges arise out of a traffic stop where the driver is asked to take a breathalyzer reading or a blood sample is taken. However, even if the driver refuses to give a breath or blood sample, some Prosecutors will pursue a DUI under an alternate legal theory known as operating or being in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol while the person’s normal mental or physical faculties are impaired. Regardless of the legal theory, the consequences of a DUI conviction, especially if it occurs on a college campus, can be severe depending on the facts of the situation and can include:
- Financial fines
- Jail time, including mandatory sentences
- Driver’s license suspension and, potentially, revocation
- Academic penalties
A Delray Beach Attorney experienced with alcohol-related campus offenses can help you understand your rights and fight the DUI claim on your behalf.
Underage Drinking
Under Florida Statutes § 562.111, it is a crime for any person under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol. While some college students may not consider underage drinking to be a serious issue as it alone is a Misdemeanor offense, it can result in fines, Jail time, probation, and a permanent criminal record which can impact future employment opportunities. If underage drinking occurs on campus, the Defendant may face additional academic consequences that can have a potentially greater negative impact on their future career.
Fortunately, there are several potential defenses available to someone accused of underage drinking, including lack of knowledge that the drink contained alcohol or even police procedural issues relating to the validity of search warrants. However, such defenses can be challenging to understand let alone assert in court. That is why if a student has been accused of underage drinking on a college campus, their first call should be to an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Delray Beach.
Public Intoxication
It is a crime for an intoxicated person to cause a public disturbance or pose a potential danger to the safety of others while in a public location. This is referred to as disorderly intoxication in Florida Statutes § 856.011. Like DUIs and underage drinking, public intoxication can carry serious consequences for college students, including fines, jail time, academic consequences and a criminal record.
Depending on the facts of the incident, the accused may have potential defenses, such as the lack of the public place requirement or lack of proof of intoxication ( no breath, blood or urine test ). Like most criminal law matters, the facts matter, and so does the persuasiveness of the arguments. A seasoned attorney in Delray Beach who understands alcohol-related charges can help build a strong defense.
Talk to a Knowledgeable Delray Beach Attorney About Campus Alcohol-Related Offenses Today
Whether you have been accused of underage drinking or driving under the influence of alcohol, criminal charges arising out of on-campus incidents can have serious financial and personal consequences. Fortunately, you do not have to face these challenges alone. At Leifert & Leifert, our experienced Attorneys understand Delray Beach campus alcohol-related offenses and are ready to help you build a defense that protects you. Call us today to help you with your case.
