If you’re in college, whether you remember doing so or not, you likely agreed to a code of conduct. Most colleges have a general code that students need to follow, defining what their overall behaviors should look like. If students violate this code of conduct, then the school is within its rights to expel those students. Expulsions are not just due to financial reasons or academic reasons. A criminal conviction can play a role.
If you had a very serious conviction, such as a conviction on murder charges, you would naturally be expelled immediately. If you had a very minor issue, such as a traffic citation, odds are that it would not impact your education at all. You would just pay the fine and be done with it.
But something like a DUI falls into an interesting middle ground. It may not be a serious felony, but it’s also not a minor issue like a speeding ticket. Are you going to be expelled.
The college board can decide
Generally speaking, colleges can use their discretion to decide how these allegations impact the university’s reputation and what they would like to do in that specific situation.
This means that every case can be unique. In some instances, the board may determine that a DUI conviction is so serious that expulsion is necessary. In other cases, if you pay fines and go through with other penalties, the board may allow you to stay enrolled in the school, considering it a one-time incident. After all, many college students make mistakes with alcohol, get arrested and do not get expelled every year.
Since this is so important for your future, be sure you understand your defense options if you are facing allegations.
