DUI Charges in College: What Students at Maryland Campuses Need to Know

College life moves fast.
Classes, internships, parties, game days, late nights.

What most students don’t plan for is how one DUI arrest can follow you long after graduation.

If you’re a student at a Maryland college, here’s what matters.

Why DUI Charges Hit College Students Differently

A DUI isn’t just a traffic issue when you’re in school. It can affect:

• Your academic standing
• Scholarships and financial aid
• Internships and job offers
• Graduate school or professional licensing
• Your permanent record — before your career even starts

And in Maryland, the consequences can move quickly.

Maryland DUI Law (The Basics Students Should Know)

In Maryland, you can be charged with:

• DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
• DWI (Driving While Impaired)

Key things students often don’t realize:

• You can be charged even if you feel “fine”
• Refusing a breath test can trigger automatic license consequences
• Under 21? Lower tolerance, higher risk
• Campus police and city police often work together

A short drive off campus can turn into a serious legal issue fast.

How a DUI Can Affect Your College Career

Academic Consequences

Some schools require students to report arrests — even off campus. A DUI may trigger:

• Disciplinary review
• Academic probation
• Loss of leadership roles or campus housing

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Certain scholarships and aid programs include conduct requirements. A criminal charge can put funding at risk.

Internships & Jobs

Many employers — especially in healthcare, government, education, and finance — run background checks. A DUI can raise questions before you ever get an interview.

DUI Risks Near Maryland Campuses

DUI arrests often happen close to campus areas students assume are “safe” or informal.

This includes areas around:

• University of Maryland
• Towson University
• Johns Hopkins University
• Morgan State University
• Loyola University Maryland

Common scenarios:

• Driving a short distance from a party
• Being stopped near campus housing
• Leaving bars or gatherings just off school property
• Thinking campus boundaries mean campus rules only

They don’t.

What to Do If You’re Charged With a DUI as a Student

First: don’t panic — but don’t ignore it.

Smart next steps include:

• Avoid discussing the incident publicly or on social media
• Understand deadlines for court, MVA hearings, and school reporting
• Get clear guidance before making decisions that affect your record

Early legal advice can help protect:

• Your license
• Your academic future
• Your long-term career options

Why Early Legal Guidance Matters for Students

Many students assume:

“It’s my first offense — it’ll just go away.”

Often, it doesn’t.

How a DUI is handled early can influence:

• Whether charges are reduced
• Whether penalties are minimized
• How the case appears on background checks later

A defense strategy should consider your future, not just the next court date.

Final Thought for Maryland College Students

A DUI charge doesn’t define you — but how you respond to it matters.

If you’re a college student facing a DUI in Maryland, or a parent trying to protect your child’s future, it may be worth having an attorney review the situation early — before small decisions turn into long-term consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges for Maryland College Students

Will my school find out if I get a DUI off campus?

Possibly.

Many Maryland colleges require students to report arrests — even if they happen off campus. In some cases, schools receive notice through campus police coordination or background checks tied to housing, athletics, or leadership roles.

It’s important to understand both your legal obligations and your school’s conduct policies before taking action.

Is a DUI different if I’m under 21?

Yes.

In Maryland, drivers under 21 face stricter standards. Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to consequences, and penalties can affect both your license and your record.

Underage status often increases risk — not leniency.

Can I lose my driver’s license from a first DUI?

Yes.

Even a first DUI or DWI can trigger:

• Immediate administrative penalties
• License suspension or restrictions
• Required hearings with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

These consequences can happen separately from your criminal case.

Will a DUI affect my scholarships or financial aid?

It can.

Some scholarships and aid programs include conduct or character requirements. A DUI may trigger review, especially if it results in probation or disciplinary action.

Each program is different — which is why early guidance matters.

Can a DUI affect internships or job offers while I’m in school?

Yes — especially in fields like:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Government
• Finance
• Law

Many internships and employers conduct background checks. Even pending charges can raise questions if not handled properly.

Are DUI arrests common near college campuses?

Yes.

Areas around campuses like:

• University of Maryland
• Towson University
• Johns Hopkins University

often see increased enforcement during weekends, events, and late-night hours. Many arrests happen within minutes of leaving campus-adjacent housing or social gatherings.

Should I talk to police or school officials without a lawyer?

Not without understanding the consequences.

Statements made early — even informal ones — can affect both your legal case and your standing with your school. Getting guidance first helps you avoid mistakes that can’t be undone.

Can a DUI be removed from my record later?

Sometimes — but not always.

Options like expungement or shielding depend on:

• The outcome of the case
• Your prior record
• How the charge is resolved

How a case is handled early often determines what’s possible later.

What’s the biggest mistake college students make after a DUI?

Assuming it’s “not a big deal.”

A DUI may feel like a short-term problem, but it can have long-term academic and career consequences if not handled carefully.

When should a student speak with a DUI attorney?

As early as possible.

Early legal guidance can help protect:

• Your license
• Your academic standing
• Your future employment opportunities

If you’re a college student charged with a DUI in Maryland — or a parent trying to protect your child’s future — it may be worth having an attorney review the situation before critical deadlines pass.