Drunk
Freshman Has Sobering Start
To College Life
Dear
Harlan,
I am a freshman at a large university. Yesterday, on my second
day in school, I hung out with a bunch of sophomores on my
hall. They took me to a party, where I was drinking. During
this party, a girl said that the cops were there. I panicked
and started running toward a fence. Little did I know that
a cop was waiting on the other side. I spent the night at
the police station, and now have to get a lawyer. (There is
an organization that gives free lawyer service to students
on campus.) Even though I may be convicted as a minor in possession
(I was told that for first-time offenders the judicial system
is lenient), does this mean that my life is over? I am worried
that I will not be able to get a good job or attend graduate
school. In high school, I was just under a 4.0 student, and
I never dreamed that this could happen to me. Even if at the
court date I am not convicted, will it still show up on my
record? Please help.
The Freshman
Dear Freshman,
You now have to be smart about being stupid. Find an attorney
who can help make sure this doesn't leave a scar on your record
or get your license suspended. The law group on campus might
not know the judges and how to maneuver within the legal system.
There often are options that only an attorney who knows the
system can request. For example, there can be a period of
supervision offered, or an option to attend an alcohol educational
class - if you complete the course and don't get busted again,
the charges might be expunged from your record. The laws are
different from state to state. That's why you need to hire
a lawyer. If you can't afford one, ask your parents for help.
Yes, this sucks. And no one wants to deal with this, but be
smart about being stupid so this doesn't haunt you or leave
you without a driver's license (yes, some states will take
away your license).
