If you are looking forward to obtaining your master’s degree at a prestigious university, your aspirations could be put on hold due to a DUI or DWI mark on your record.

Some colleges will decline admittance if you have a misdemeanor or felony conviction. However, providing honest information about the drunk-driving incident may make all the difference in terms of your acceptance.

Two types of DUI/DWI

If you are a first-time offender, your conviction will usually be classed as a misdemeanor. However, that can escalate to a felony if you had a high blood alcohol content when you were arrested, or if, as a drunk driver, you were responsible for injuring another person or causing a fatality.

Points matter

For a first DUI/DWI offense in the state of Missouri, you are looking at penalties that could include fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and possible community service or even jail time. Points will also be added to your driving record, and these translate into red flags for university personnel in charge of reviewing enrollment applications.

The importance of honesty

The university you choose for your graduate work may decline your application for enrollment outright. However, you may still be considered as long as you provide honest answers to the questions you are asked about your DUI/DWI conviction. Any effort you might make to hide the facts will be more detrimental in terms of acceptance than the conviction itself.

Other issues

Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated are common events, and most of those arrested do not realize how a conviction can affect their plans for the future. An experienced criminal defense attorney will tell you that a conviction for drunk driving might cause you to lose a scholarship. In addition to limiting your ability to be admitted to the college of your choice, you might also be unable to acquire financial aid to help with college expenses. Your attorney will work to secure the best outcome possible for your case. However, if there is a misdemeanor or felony charge on your record, resolve to own up to it. The people who matter will respect you for your openness and honesty.