The consequences of a drunk driving violation can extend far beyond the criminal penalties. A conviction (or even an arrest) can disrupt a person’s career and significantly impact their future.
The recent arrest of a Georgia college freshman illustrates just how serious the consequences of drunk driving can be. The 19-year-old student, a promising athlete, was dismissed from the University of Georgia’s baseball team almost immediately after his coach became aware that he had gotten caught driving under the influence of alcohol.
The incident occurred on the morning before the Bulldogs were supposed to play a double-header against Vanderbilt. The student was arrested and charged with a number of misdemeanors including DUI, driving without a license, driving the wrong way on a one-way street and underage possession of alcohol. He was jailed a little after 1:00 a.m. and was released on bail approximately 12 hours later.
University of Georgia baseball coach David Perno dismissed the young man from the team almost immediately. He said the student’s actions showed a serious disregard for the team. Even taking the arrest out of the equation, he said the student should not have been behaving so irresponsibly on the night before such a big game.
The coach used the incident as an opportunity to remind others that superior athletic ability is no free pass for bad behavior. He indicated that he had little tolerance for students who could not behave responsibly both on and off the field.
This young man’s arrest should serve as a reminder to all college students in Georgia – if you’re going to drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Georgia freshman dismissed after DUI arrest,” Chip Towers, April 21, 2013.
Our law firm represents individuals charged with underage DUI in Georgia. For more information, please visit our website.