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It is a fact that about one fourth of all freshmen will get an alcohol citation their first year at Elon. 
The chances are pretty good that a run in with the law will occur at some point if you tend to drink often and in large quantities like some of our friends. So a few run ins with the law and more than a few court dates later, we have some information to share with everyone else.
North Carolina offers two “easy” ways to keep something off of your record.
- The First Offenders program
- Prayer for Judgment
The First Offenders program is for - you got it - first offenders. This can only be used once. It consists of admitting guilt, writing a 5 page paper (which they actually suggest you copy off of the internet, as long as it is in your handwriting) and doing some community service. Around here, the best place to serve is at the Gibsonville Fire Station. 21 games of pool and a few hours of TV later, and my record was free and clear. However it is a good idea to pay a lawyer to expunge your record after you complete the program if you plan on running for public office.
Prayer for judgment is a little different. This can be used only for misdemeanors, and only once in something like every 5 years. Most people use it for traffic tickets, but I have seen it used for illegal possession of a handgun. A nice judge will put this to an alcohol, or disorderly charge, but a bad one may not. It does not clear your record, but essentially puts the case into never ending continuance. This means you never get convicted of the misdemeanor. (READ: when the job application says “Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony?” you can still say “NO”)
