Back to School DUI: 5 Things to Know About DUI on Campus

Welcome to FindLaw's DUI Law series. If you have been charged with a DUI, know someone who has, or just want to know about the law and how to protect your rights during a DUI stop, please come back each week for more information.

Whether you're heading back to your college campus this fall or arriving at a university for the first time, chances are you'll find yourself at a party with alcohol. And there's also a good chance you'll be put in a position of drinking and driving. Hopefully, you'll choose drinking or driving, but we all know that even the best-intentioned college students don't always make the best life choices.

So if you've been charged with a DUI on campus -- or need a few more reasons to avoid one -- here are five things you need to know about DUIs in college.

1. College Campus DUI Laws

On top of whatever municipal or state drunk driving laws may apply, many colleges and universities have their own codes of conduct and punishments when it comes to DUIs. Make sure you understand how these campus laws interact with city and state statutes.

2. Are Campus Police the Same as 'Real' Police?

You may feel inclined to dismiss campus police as glorified mall security guards. And that would be a mistake. Often college campus police have the same authority as city and county officers. So it wouldn't be wise to underestimate their authority.

3. Arrested While in College? What Happens Next?

In some ways, being arrested as a college student is the same as being arrested as any other adult. And in some ways, it's totally different.

4. How DUI Diversion Programs Work

Just because you've been arrested and charged with a DUI doesn't mean you're going to serve jail time, or even have a DUI on your permanent record. There are certain programs that can help you avoid a DUI conviction.

5. First Time DUI? Top 5 Laws You Need to Know

If you've been charged with a DUI in college, hopefully it's your first time. If not, we have resources for that, too.

Your best resource for dealing with DUIs, in college or after, is an experienced DUI attorney -- contact one in your area today.

Related Resources:

• Hit with a DUI? Get your case reviewed by an experienced attorney for free. (Consumer Injury)
• 10 Dumb Ways College Students Can Get Arrested (FindLaw Blotter)
• 7 Facts About Criminal Law Every College Student Should Know (FindLaw Blotter)
• ASU Back-to-School Alcohol Crackdown Nets 392 Arrests (FindLaw Blotter)