Between August and September, most college and university students who were home for the summer are returning to campus. Even though parents did their best to prepare their kids for the future, college-age students do make some bad decisions, especially when influenced by their peers. One of the ways young adults can get into trouble is with a drunk driving arrest while away at college. 

If your child got arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Oakland or the East Bay, they may reach out to you because they don't know where else to turn. A criminal conviction can have long-term consequences on their future opportunities. Talk to an experienced California DUI defense attorney to find out your legal options. Contact East Bay DUI defense lawyer Lynn Gorelick today.

Drunk Driving Arrests for College Students in the East Bay

Many college and university students first start experimenting with alcohol and drugs during their college years. It may be the first time they've had easy access to alcohol at parties or through older classmates. Turning 21 in college is usually a cause for celebration, even if it ends with drinking too much and feeling the effects later on. 

Many East Bay college students take their cars with them when they go away to school. Alcohol can reduce cognitive ability and increase risk-taking behavior. Combined with peer pressure, alcohol, cars, and young people can quickly find themselves driving down the road with flashing lights in the rearview mirror. 

When college students get arrested for a DUI in California, it is likely the first time they've ever had to face a criminal arrest, arraignment, and facing misdemeanor criminal charges. Many students look to their parents to bail them out. Even if parents think it is a good time for their child to learn a lesson, a permanent mark on their criminal record can hurt their future opportunities. Consequences for college students could include: 

• Losing sports and athletic opportunities 
• Discipline from the university
• Losing scholarship eligibility
• Threats to future job opportunities
• Higher insurance rates
• A permanent criminal record

Drinking and Driving Among College Students

According to a survey from the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, approximately 16% to 30% of college students report driving after drinking alcohol. Almost half of fatal traffic accidents among students are alcohol-related. 

College students often overestimate their peers' approval of drinking and driving, leaving some younger students with the perception that it isn't that bad to drink and drive. However, the majority of college students (over 86%) strongly disapprove of drinking and driving. 

According to another study, when college students turn 21, there is actually a decrease in the amount of alcohol consumed per drinking occasion, but an increase in the rate of driving after drinking. 

Fall Football Games and Drinking and Driving

The Cal Bears are probably the biggest football draw in the East Bay. Most weekends in the fall, the Pac-12 Golden Bears will take on other powerhouse college teams, which can bring out big crowds of Berkeley students and alumni. For many of these students, tailgating and day drinking during a football game are new experiences. 

Unfortunately, many of these students are not familiar with how a day of drinking will affect their decision-making. Even if they don't remember it, they may find their keys and leave the game, driving to their apartments in Oakland, Albany, or El Cerrito. Driving while buzzed, drunk, or even blacked out can be a recipe for disaster. 

DUI Defense Attorney for College Students in Oakland and the East Bay

If your son or daughter were arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Oakland or the East Bay, call an experienced DUI defense attorney for help. East Bay attorney Lynn Gorelick has more than 40 years of California DUI defense experience and understands the consequences of a drunk driving conviction for young people. Contact East Bay DUI defense lawyer Lynn Gorelick today.