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?

PP's advice is good. Even if it is taken off the record, IIRC, the forms for bar admission and clearance both ask for "arrests" so he'll still have to disclose which makes how he behaves after and onward a very important part of the picture.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, PPs. To answer some of the questions, he was not belligerent at all. He said he was completely stunned and very cooperative. The police kept him overnight and did not let him make a phone call - is that legal? They released him the next day after his blood/alcohol level was stable.

Sorry if I'm not using the correct terminology, I'm not in the legal field nor am I familiar with these charges. He texted me pictures of the ticket/summons, with the charges - public intoxication and possession of alcohol under age 21.

A PP mentioned security clearances and this is exactly what we're concerned about as he hopes to work with the intelligence community at some point.

We've contacted a couple of lawyers in the college town and hope to talk to them tomorrow. Thanks so much for all of your advice.

Do something to show contrition -- e.g. alcohol and drug education. Getting drunk in college once will not hurt an intelligence or law enforcement career unless he LIES about it. The thing he needs to be aware of if he ever wants to hold a position with a security clearance is that they will speak to people who knew him back in college and ask about his habits, drug use, alcohol use.

Good advice, thank you!
-OP

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, PPs. To answer some of the questions, he was not belligerent at all. He said he was completely stunned and very cooperative. The police kept him overnight and did not let him make a phone call - is that legal? They released him the next day after his blood/alcohol level was stable.

Sorry if I'm not using the correct terminology, I'm not in the legal field nor am I familiar with these charges. He texted me pictures of the ticket/summons, with the charges - public intoxication and possession of alcohol under age 21.

A PP mentioned security clearances and this is exactly what we're concerned about as he hopes to work with the intelligence community at some point.

We've contacted a couple of lawyers in the college town and hope to talk to them tomorrow. Thanks so much for all of your advice.

Do something to show contrition -- e.g. alcohol and drug education. Getting drunk in college once will not hurt an intelligence or law enforcement career unless he LIES about it. The thing he needs to be aware of if he ever wants to hold a position with a security clearance is that they will speak to people who knew him back in college and ask about his habits, drug use, alcohol use.

Thanks, PPs. To answer some of the questions, he was not belligerent at all. He said he was completely stunned and very cooperative. The police kept him overnight and did not let him make a phone call - is that legal? They released him the next day after his blood/alcohol level was stable.

Sorry if I'm not using the correct terminology, I'm not in the legal field nor am I familiar with these charges. He texted me pictures of the ticket/summons, with the charges - public intoxication and possession of alcohol under age 21.

A PP mentioned security clearances and this is exactly what we're concerned about as he hopes to work with the intelligence community at some point.

We've contacted a couple of lawyers in the college town and hope to talk to them tomorrow. Thanks so much for all of your advice.

This might be a good cautionary tale to share with other kids who think underage drinking is de rigueur in college.

Ha, I was lucky to escape that myself, but the police were veeeeery nice to me.

Has he been charged or did they just hold him until he sobered up?

I would get a consult with a local lawyer. The lawyer can explain all of the possible implications and the likely outcomes in the particular court. It varies widely by jurisdiction and even by judge. Without a lawyer, it is hard to navigate the system. The outcome may sound good at first, but have lasting consequences that a lawyer may either help him avoid or at least prepare him for.

If you have the money, lawyer up. It’s incredibly unfair but the system allows lawyers access to the prosecutor that individuals never get. Our DS had an underage drinking arrest, at a college football game if you can imagine. The prosecutor dropped the charges the day before the court date. (No idea if this would have happened anyway, but it did save all of us flying to California during spring break). The college, however, dealt probation and community service and it stays on college transcript for 2 yrs post graduation. All fine now, DS got his security clearance and accepted to grad school.

Also, the law firms that deal with this every day are very good about spending 10 minutes on the phone with you letting you know what to expect, even if you don’t hire them.

I'd ask to see the police report if you have not done so already. I'm sure this happens all the time and getting both sides of the story will help you better understand how to counsel your DC.

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.

What state? I would definitely hire a lawyer.

It's a minor charge so I wouldnt be too concerned unless your son wants to work in law enforcement. The bigger concern is that most cops only arrest someone for public intoxication if the person is being a royal PITA to cops. It is similar to a disorderly conduct charge in that regard.

I would call a lawyer, just to ask how to handle this in such a way that it does not cause future problems (if possible). I have no related experience.

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.