Facing a disorderly intoxication charge can leave you unsure about how to proceed. As a college student, you may not know what outcome to expect.
It is important to take the situation seriously, as criminal charges can affect your education and future opportunities.
Immediate consequences
The specific situation dictates the immediate consequences. Your age and criminal history can impact the penalty. For example, if this is your first offense and you are under the age of 21, you will face different consequences than someone who is older than 21 and considered a habitual offender.
You may miss college classes due to court appearances or jail time. Habitual offenders may need to stay at treatment centers. If you damaged school property or threatened the safety of other students while under the influence of alcohol, you may face suspension or expulsion.
Impact on future opportunities
A conviction can negatively affect your future career opportunities. Disorderly intoxication is a misdemeanor and can show up on criminal history checks. Jobs that require a relatively clean criminal history, such as law enforcement, child care or teaching can reject candidates that have certain things on their records.
Depending on the outcome of the case, you may not be able to volunteer at certain places or become an intern in certain industries.
The laws governing alcohol consumption in Florida are subject to change. When facing charges, it is a good idea to understand the current legal ramifications of your actions. This can help you to prepare a solid defense and try to reduce the impact the charges can have on your life.
