Drunk driving convictions can have serious consequences for college students throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. If you get a DUI charge while in college, you need to protect your future. This means taking legal action as soon as possible.
At Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam, we understand the urgency of your legal matter. That’s why we want to meet with you and get straight to work on your DUI charges. We realize that the consequences of charges against college students can be devastating.
Our law firm is in downtown Scranton. You can find us only minutes away from the University of Scranton and Lackawanna College. Our law firm has several experienced criminal defense attorneys who have a successful track record tackling DUI and DWI cases in Lackawanna County, Luzerne County, and beyond. We have worked hard to build a reputation as a legal team that gets results for college students.
The penalties vary widely for a DUI conviction. Factors include your age, whether you have a prior conviction, and how much alcohol you consumed. If you are under 21 years old, Pennsylvania’s underage DUI laws will apply to your case. If you were involved in a car accident and if anyone was injured or killed in the crash, you will be facing not only a DUI but charges of reckless driving or even vehicular homicide. Depending on any of these factors, you could face:
However, if this is your first DUI charge, you might be eligible for Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program. This innovative program for first-time offenders is similar to probation. After you complete the ARD, evidence of your DUI conviction will be expunged from your record.
Be aware, if you do qualify for an ARD, you still will be facing a temporary loss of your license. You will also receive mandatory attendance to Highway Safety classes. You will have to pay for the program as well, up to $2,000. By accepting an ARD, your future will still be bright since the charges will disappear after successful completion.
To be eligible for an ARD, you need a skilled criminal defense attorney to assist you. It’s reasons such as these that you need to speak with an experienced Scranton DUI lawyer from Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam.
The answer to this question depends on your college’s policies. Chances are you will be facing a suspension from school — this means no classes and no participating in athletic activities. You may lose any scholarships or financial aid. You may have to find housing off-campus. And yes, your college can kick you out for a DUI.
The punishment doesn’t end after your school disciplines you. Your college will place a notation on your official college transcript and all copies. This will make it harder to get into another school. A DUI conviction will follow you as:
All these reasons are why it’s so important to speak with our DUI lawyers immediately following an arrest.
No professor would ever expect you to become an instant expert on a particular subject after your first class. The same is true if you are facing a DUI in Scranton or anywhere in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The laws involving such charges can be extremely complicated and confusing. This is why it’s best to work with a Scranton attorney who has experience navigating the courts and a proven track record of getting the results college students will need to continue with their future.
If you or a loved one is a college student facing a DUI charge for drunk driving, the time to act is right now. Contact the DUI lawyers at Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam today and get your life right back on track. We are currently serving clients in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, including Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Dallas, and Hazleton.
Put your trust in a law firm that puts your best interests first. We offer a free case evaluation to all potential clients.
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