College Park Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

Representing Clients in College Park, Gaithersburg, and Throughout Maryland

Yes, you’re an adult. You’re in college. You may even have served in the military. But if you’re under 21, it’s still illegal for you to drink under Maryland state law. Courts, colleges, and the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in Maryland all take these drinking restrictions very seriously.

If you’re under 21, you face severe sanctions if you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI) or another alcohol-related offense in Maryland. Sanctions may be imposed by the MVA, independent of any action the court might take.

Don’t start your adult life with a criminal record. If you’ve been arrested for an alcohol or drug-related crime, contact the Law Offices of Steven M. Jacoby to speak with a College Park drunk driving defense lawyer.

Alcohol-Related Offenses

As an experienced drunk driving defense attorney, a large part of my law practice for more than 37 years has been defending minors and college students facing the a wide range of charges, including:

• DUI or DWI
• Public intoxication
• Use of alcohol in a dorm or at a frat party
• Underage consumption of alcohol
• Underage drinking and driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs (even prescription drugs)
• Possession, manufacturing, sale or distribution of fake IDs
• Distribution of alcohol to a minor or someone under 21

I also defend college students charged with drinking or drug use on campus. There’s a reason alcohol and drug use is highlighted during orientation. Depending on the nature of the offense, you could lose your housing, be forced to take mandatory drug tests, be put on probation or expelled from college for using alcohol or possessing or selling drugs on campus property.

Each of these crimes can lead to criminal prosecution and may certainly lead to concurrent but separate judicial board proceedings if you are a college student and the incident occurs on campus.

False IDs and Underage Drinking

It seems like everyone has a fake ID, but the price you pay if you’re caught with a fake ID is a lot higher than the $75 to $100 the ID may have cost you. Not only could you be convicted and sentenced to jail time, you may have a hard time getting a real driver’s license or ID.

If you manufacture or distribute false IDs, you could be charged with a state or federal crime punishable by a prison sentence.

Defending Students at UMCP and Other Maryland Colleges

I’ve defended hundreds of college students and juveniles in criminal cases involving:

• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Academic dishonesty
• Student misconduct
• Date/acquaintance rape
• Other juvenile crimes

I have represented young people in criminal court, administrative hearings at the Maryland MVA and college judicial hearings. I also help college students with expungements to clear their criminal records.

University Sanctions

Students charged with criminal offenses or motor vehicle offenses face not only a criminal case and possible driver’s license suspension by the MVA, but also the possibility of charges by the University Judicial Board or Office of Student Conduct. The sanctions your college can impose may be even more life changing than the outcome of a criminal case. University sanctions can include:

• Loss of on-campus housing
• Mandatory drug or alcohol testing
• Mandatory counseling
• Fines
• Academic probation
• Other limitations on your ability to participate in campus life

Contact an Alcohol Offense Lawyer Serving Gaithersburg

For a free consultation regarding underage drinking, fake IDs, or other drug- or alcohol-related crimes,contact a drunk driving defense attorney at the Law Offices of Steven M. Jacoby at 301-779-5560 or 800-864-4488.