Anyone's college student been arrested for public intoxication?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not our proudest moment, so would appreciate only constructive comments. College freshman was leaving a house party, intoxicated, and police were right there. They arrested him and he spent the night in a cell at the police station. He was not given a phone call, so we had no idea he was even there until he was released, the next day at 2pm.

This was his first and only offence and he fully accepts responsibility for his actions, but we're very concerned about a conviction being on his record. Has anyone been in this situation and if so, how did you handle it? Call a lawyer or no, etc.? TIA.

Did this happen in Pennsylvania?

No.

[Anonymous]

Did they read him his rights when he got arrested?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did they read him his rights when he got arrested?

No, and they didn't let him call anyone. Granted, I'm not sure if he requested a call or not, but aren't they supposed to make sure he's able to call someone? I just talked to him and we were going over the events again. He said he exited the house party and there was an officer outside with whom he made eye contact. The officer asked him to come over to him, so he did. He didn't run or resist in any way and used no profanity. The officer then gave him a breathalyzer test and said they were arresting him.

They drove him to the station, booked him (I guess that's what it's called?) and he spent the night in a cell with other men. This was at 12:30am. They didn't release him until 2pm the next day (Sunday), and only after another breathalyzer.

[Anonymous]

I'm guessing it was at one of the Va colleges. They arrest for all kinds of things

[Anonymous]

snowball throwing too

[Anonymous]

One phone call is for TV drama. It isn't really a thing.

[Anonymous]

Also, you may want to be careful about what he says about the case to anyone, including you, because it is not privileged communication.

[Anonymous]

I would hire an attorney and go to the hearing if there is one. You were not clear on if there was a hearing.

[Anonymous]

Seems odd, unless he was stumbling or neighbors complained about under age drinking, that they would approach a person who is not attempting to drive and give them a breathalyzer??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seems odd, unless he was stumbling or neighbors complained about under age drinking, that they would approach a person who is not attempting to drive and give them a breathalyzer??

OP here; this is exactly what we thought. He wasn’t driving (doesn’t even have a car at school) and was simply leaving the house. While we fully accept the fact that he had been drinking, he was not disorderly or bothering anyone. And he wasn’t even in “public” until he stepped out of the house. Seems like a warning would have been a lot more appropriate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would hire an attorney and go to the hearing if there is one. You were not clear on if there was a hearing.

The hearing is next week and we will definitely be going and hiring an attorney. I hope I can find a reputable one by then. Any referrals would be very welcome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cops wife here.

I get multiple calls from family about this and underage drinking.

Don’t freak out. It’s not a big deal.

You can check with a lawyer but they will tell you to go to counseling so you can show the court you are serious about this not happening again.

Not much will come of it either way.

I hope you’re right, but if the charges aren’t dismissed, this will be on his record forever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One phone call is for TV drama. It isn't really a thing.

Aren’t you supposed to be able to call a lawyer or someone, even just to let them know where you are??

[Anonymous]

My brother's friend was arrested for public intoxication in college after a frat party. He ended up being required to attend some kind of weekly rehab group, and that's where he met his wife, a girl who had committed a similar infraction They got married right after graduation and have been together 10 years now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My brother's friend was arrested for public intoxication in college after a frat party. He ended up being required to attend some kind of weekly rehab group, and that's where he met his wife, a girl who had committed a similar infraction They got married right after graduation and have been together 10 years now.

This gives me hope - thanks, PP!
-OP