Will UTK Discipline Me for an Underage Drinking Arrest Off Campus?

 Posted on January 07, 2026 in University of Tennessee Knoxville College Students

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, can discipline students for underage drinking arrests that happen off campus. An arrest does not have to occur at a university event or on school property for UTK to take action.

In a 2025 update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, underage drinking was still reported as common among college-age individuals. As of 2026, UTK continues to enforce its student conduct rules alongside local criminal laws. These processes are separate, but they can affect each other.

If you are a UTK student facing an off-campus underage drinking arrest, a Knox County, TN underage drinking defense lawyer at The Baker Law Firm can help. We will walk you through how the criminal case and university discipline may overlap and what you can do to defend yourself.

Can UTK Discipline Students for Off-Campus Arrests?

UTK has the authority to discipline students for behavior that occurs off campus if it violates the student code of conduct. They generally take the position that student behavior off campus can still affect campus safety and the school community.

This means an off-campus arrest can trigger a separate university review, even if the incident did not involve other students or university property.

What Tennessee Law Applies to Underage Drinking Arrests?

Under Tennessee law, it is illegal for a person under 21 to possess or consume alcohol. This rule applies whether the arrest happens on or off campus.

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 1-3-113, underage consumption or possession of alcohol is a criminal offense. A citation or arrest under this law can be reported to the university, which may then begin its own disciplinary process.

Why Does UTK Get Involved if the Arrest Was Off-Campus?

Universities are allowed to regulate student conduct beyond campus boundaries. UTK’s authority to discipline students comes from state law and university policies that govern enrollment and student behavior.

Public universities have the power to adopt rules and enforce discipline for student conduct. This allows UTK to review arrests and decide whether university penalties are appropriate, even when the incident happened elsewhere.

What Types of Discipline Can UTK Impose for Underage Drinking?

University discipline is separate from criminal penalties. Even if the criminal charge is dismissed or reduced, UTK may still impose consequences.

Possible university penalties may include:

• Disciplinary warnings or probation

• Required alcohol education or counseling programs

• Fines or administrative fees

• Suspension or, in serious cases, expulsion

Each case is reviewed individually, and outcomes depend on the facts and any prior conduct history.

How Is a UTK Conduct Case Different From a Criminal Case?

A criminal case is handled in court and focuses on whether the law was violated. A UTK conduct case is handled by the university and focuses on whether student conduct rules were broken.

The standards of proof are different, and the university process often moves faster. Statements made in one case can sometimes affect the other. For example, something said during a campus conduct meeting could later be used in the criminal case. This is why it is important to be careful about what you say and when you say it. Having legal representation can help protect you from making mistakes that can have a lasting impact on your future.

What Should I Do After an Off-Campus Underage Drinking Arrest?

Taking early steps can help protect both your legal record and your student status. Consider the following:

• Avoid discussing the incident publicly or on social media.

• Review all notices from UTK carefully and meet deadlines.

• Understand that the criminal case and conduct case are separate.

• Speak with a lawyer before giving any statements.

Can a Lawyer Help With Both the Criminal Case and UTK Discipline?

A lawyer can help manage both the criminal case and the UTK conduct process at the same time. This includes helping you prepare for conduct hearings and deciding what information to share with the university. A lawyer can also help you avoid statements that could cause problems later in court.

Remember that these cases can affect everything, including enrollment, housing, scholarships, and future school or job opportunities. Strong legal representation gives you a better chance at fighting the allegations.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Farragut, TN Underage Drinking Defense Attorney

If you are facing an off-campus underage drinking arrest while attending UTK, The Baker Law Firm can help you understand your options. Attorney Lance K. Baker has been named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 list in the criminal defense division and also recognized in the organization’s Top 40 Under 40 list for civil plaintiff lawyers. His experience helps students navigate both criminal charges and university discipline with confidence.

Call 865-200-4117 to schedule a free consultation with a Knox County, TN underage drinking lawyer you can trust.