We are fighters
who will do everything we can to protect your rights and your future.

Defending Georgia Students In Drunk Driving And Other Charges

Last updated on August 28, 2026

A conviction for drunk driving or any other criminal offense will cause serious problems for anybody, but college or university students face an additional set of consequences: problems with the academic authorities on campus and damage to future career options.

Our Georgia student defense lawyers know how to handle your criminal defense while looking out for your academic interests. For reliable advice and skilled representation with both the immediate and long-range problems of drunk driving or other criminal charges, contact a defense attorney at Daniels & Rothman, P.C., in Athens, Georgia.

Standing Up For Students’ Criminal Rights

We represent students from the University of Georgia and other north Georgia institutions on such criminal charges as:

Misdemeanor, repeat offender, underage or felony drunk driving
Drug possession or distribution
Underage alcohol charges such as minor consumption or minor in possession
Fake ID or fraudulent document charges
Public drunkenness, obstruction of justice or disorderly conduct

At UGA, a first misdemeanor offense on most of these charges will not expose you to particular problems with the university authorities, but any repeat offense or arrest while on academic probation raises a serious risk of suspension. You could also face expulsion from campus housing, loss of a scholarship, or barred access to competitive study or professional programs.

What Is Title 9?

Title 9 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal funding. While it covers many issues, it is most commonly associated with allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault or other misconduct involving students.

Universities and the criminal justice system take these cases seriously, and the consequences can be life-changing. Some of the common Title 9 offenses include:

Sexual harassment or sexual misconduct involving another student or faculty member

Sexual assault allegations that may or may not also lead to criminal charges
Stalking or dating violence claims made within the university community

Penalties for a Title 9 violation can include suspension, expulsion and a permanent mark on a student’s academic record. In addition, these findings may impact scholarship eligibility, graduate school admissions and future employment opportunities.

Working with our experienced Title 9 defense lawyers can protect a student’s rights, help ensure the investigative process is fair and challenge any evidence or procedural errors. Involving legal counsel early can improve students’ chances of protecting their education and future.

What Penalties Might Students Face For A Criminal Charge?

The consequences of a conviction can vary depending on the exact charge. Common penalties that college students may face include:

Fines and restitution: Students may be required to pay fines or compensate for damages caused by their actions. The amount can vary depending on the severity of the offense and jurisdiction. This can strain already tight budgets.
Probation: The student may be placed on probation, requiring them to adhere to specific conditions and report regularly to a probation officer. This allows the student to avoid jail time while demonstrating good behavior.
Community service: After a conviction, students may need to complete a certain number of community service hours. Meeting these requirements can be challenging for students with busy class schedules or significant workloads for their studies.
Counseling or educational programs: The court may require participation in counseling sessions or educational programs to address underlying issues related to the offense and prevent future incidents.
Incarceration: Students may face jail or prison time, depending on the nature of the crime and prior criminal history.

Students do not just risk court-imposed penalties when they face charges. They may also lose scholarships and their school may impose sanctions such as suspension or expulsion, affecting the student’s academic standing and future opportunities.

Record Restriction After A Student Offense In Georgia

Under Georgia law, a court can restrict and seal an eligible criminal record, limiting public access without erasing it. How the case ends determines the process:

Dismissed or acquitted cases: Your record often qualifies for restriction if the prosecutor drops the charge, enters a nolle prosequi, or a judge or jury finds you not guilty. For arrests on or after July 1, 2013, you do not have to apply through the arresting agency. Even so, it is worth checking that the prosecutor finished the process.
First offender treatment: If you meet the required terms, the court discharges you without a conviction. The Georgia Crime Information Center then seals your criminal-history entry.
Second Chance Act petitions: You may ask the court to restrict and seal up to two eligible misdemeanor convictions. To be eligible, you must finish your sentence, stay conviction-free for four years, and have no pending charges.

The state excludes DUI convictions from first offender treatment and the misdemeanor petition process, so the record generally remains open to the public.

What Should Students Do When Facing Charges?

With so much at stake, it is important for students to take the right steps when accused of a crime to protect their education and their future. These steps include:

Stay calm: Calmly cooperating with authorities can avoid escalating the situation.
Do not admit guilt: Do not answer questions without a lawyer present to avoid saying anything that the authorities could use against you.
Call a lawyer: Reach out to an attorney experienced in student offenses as soon as possible, and follow their advice throughout the legal process.
Gather information: Collect all relevant details and documents related to the incident, such as witness contact information. Your attorney can be a vital resource when building your case.
Attend all meetings and hearings: Be punctual and prepared for all scheduled meetings and hearings related to the charges. Your lawyer can help you approach them with greater confidence.
Explore any support services offered by your school: Counseling and student advocacy resources may help you as you navigate the legal process.
Maintain your academic standing: Continue attending classes and fulfilling academic responsibilities unless advised otherwise by your attorney or institution.

Why Students Should Work With Daniels & Rothman, P.C.

When facing Title 9 charges or other university disciplinary matters, students need legal representation from a firm that understands how schools operate. At Daniels & Rothman, P.C., the attorneys represent students before the university administration and the UGA Student Conduct Office, which functions independently from the criminal justice system.

This dual approach helps ensure that students’ rights are defended in every setting where decisions about their education and future may be made. You should work with us because:

We are skilled in handling university hearings and court proceedings, providing consistent defense across all forums.
We understand the University of Georgia’s unique disciplinary process and how it differs from criminal law.
We work to protect a student’s reputation and prevent long-term academic or professional harm.

With so much at stake, students cannot afford to face UGA conduct hearings or Title 9 investigations alone. Our seasoned attorneys offer knowledgeable, strategic and dedicated defense to help protect students’ education and future.

Common Questions That You Might Have

A student offense often raises concerns beyond the criminal case. The information below explains the possible effects on your enrollment, record and university conduct proceedings.

Could a DUI lead to expulsion from college or university?

Yes. A Georgia college or university can expel you for a DUI, but that result is not automatic. The criminal case and student conduct review proceed separately, so the school can take disciplinary action regardless of what happens in court. At UGA, officials consider the circumstances and your disciplinary history, with sanctions ranging from alcohol education and probation to suspension or expulsion.

Will the offense permanently remain on my record?

There is no single time limit for every student offense. A criminal conviction generally remains on your record for life, while a college disciplinary record follows the school’s retention policy.

Does UGA require a lawyer for a student conduct hearing?

No. UGA does not require you to have a lawyer at a conduct hearing, but it allows an attorney to attend.

The university decides responsibility by a preponderance of the evidence, a lower burden than proof beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal court, and what you say during the process can affect a related criminal case. We can serve as your adviser, help you prepare and reduce the risk of statements that harm your defense.

Dedicated, Discreet College Crime Lawyers

We’re committed to protecting your future opportunities and access to licensed professions just as much as we’re interested in resolving your criminal defense problem.

Whether your case involves drunk driving, marijuana possession or possession of a fake ID, we can help you. Contact a criminal defense attorney using our online form or by calling us at 706-621-5166 to arrange your free consultation.