College is often seen as a time for growth, independence, and exploration. But for many students, that exploration leads to crossing legal lines — and the consequences can be severe. Offenses like driving under the influence (DUI), underage drinking, and drug possession may seem like youthful mistakes, but they can carry long-lasting repercussions on a student’s academic career, financial stability, and future employment prospects.

1. Immediate Academic Consequences

• Disciplinary Action: Colleges and universities often have strict conduct codes. A legal offense can result in academic probation, suspension, or even expulsion, regardless of whether the offense occurred on or off campus. Georgia Southern is one of these universities with a strict code of conduct.
• Loss of Housing: Many schools, including Georgia Southern, may evict students from dorms and other student housing for drug or alcohol-related offenses, and for other criminal allegations.
• Impact on Enrollment: Criminal charges may result in delayed registration or barriers to re-enrollment after a suspension.

2. Financial Aid and Scholarships

• Loss of Federal Aid: A drug conviction can make students ineligible for federal financial aid or grants (though some policies have changed in recent years).
• Scholarship Revocation: Private scholarships and institutional aid often include morality or behavior clauses that could disqualify students with criminal records.
• Increased Legal and Court Fees: Fines, fees, court-mandated classes, and increased insurance premiums for DUIs can create significant financial burdens.

3. Impact on Career Opportunities

• Background Checks: Many employers conduct background checks, and even a misdemeanor can raise red flags.
• Professional Licensing: Careers in education, healthcare, law, or government often require clean records to obtain necessary licenses.
• Graduate School Admissions: Criminal records can hurt chances of getting into graduate or professional schools, such as law or medical school.

4. Mental Health and Social Consequences

• Stigma and Isolation: Students may face judgment or exclusion from peers and others.
• Increased Stress and Anxiety: Legal trouble can severely impact a student’s mental health, often leading to academic decline or dropout.
• Family Impact: Parents, guardians and loved ones are impacted in many ways and sometimes may withdraw emotional or financial support, compounding the student’s struggles.

5. The Path to Redemption

• Legal Help: Some offenses can be reduced or a charge may dropped or dismissed, and/or the outcome reduced as much as possible, offering students a second chance, although every case is unique and the results are on a case-by-case basis.
• Counseling and Rehabilitation Programs: Courts may mandate (or students can voluntarily seek) drug/alcohol counseling, which can be a path to recovery and reinstatement in school.
  • For DUI cases, a state-certified Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (“DUI school”) is required if there is a conviction.
• Campus or Community Support Systems: Many colleges offer support programs for students with legal or substance use issues. Georgia Southern has programs and counseling available for students that can be very helpful; there are also many good private options in Statesboro, or students may pursue resources back home or wherever best suits their needs and circumstances. Connecting with the right resources can make a significant difference.
• At The Brannen Law Office, we encourage and guide students to see that a mistake or trouble with the law does not define someone, it is who they are and how they go about moving past it that makes the difference! We are glad to help and enjoy doing so.

What to do when a college student faces legal trouble?

Take charge to protect your future. While a legal mistake in college doesn't have to define a student’s entire life, it can create serious roadblocks. The best way forward is to understand the potential consequences, make informed choices, and seek support early. For students already facing these issues, redemption is possible — but it takes effort, being informed and legal guidance. Attorney Scott Brannen has the experience, skill, and understanding it takes to handle all aspects of representing college students and knows what it takes to take care of and help college students get the best results and outcomes when they face legal troubles in college.

Take action to protect yourself and your future if you are facing legal trouble as a college student by calling The Brannen Law Office now. Call 912-225-0066 or text us, or email scott@brannenlawpc.com.

We are a local Statesboro law firm proudly serving the community for over two generations. Contact us now to get started taking charge of your situation.

Attorney W. Scott Brannen

The Brannen Law Office, PC

Statesboro, Georgia

August, 2025