Drunk Driving & College Students

Drunk Driving and Maryland College Students

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.

Alcohol-related Offenses

As an experienced defense attorney, a large part of my law practice for more than 35 years has been defending minors facing the following charges:

• 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
• 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 false 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.

Are you the parent of a UMCP student who has been charged with a crime?

Find out how we can help your child resolve his or her criminal case while minimizing criminal and academic penalties.

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 crimes

I have represented young people in criminal court, administrative hearings at the Maryland MVA and college Judicial Hearings.

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

Experienced Adult and Juvenile Defense

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