Freshman Gabrielle Friedman, a Hatchet columnist, informs students of their rights under the District of Columbia’s expungement laws.

It’s a Friday night and you need to let off some steam. You invite a couple of friends over, engage in a little beer pong, and then all of a sudden you hear it – the UPD knock. As you attempt to dispose of all 24 Natty Light cans, you already know: Your fate is sealed. Or is it?

College is a time for youthful indiscretions. We make mistakes, we learn from them. But through the journey, it is imperative that we educate ourselves about the consequences of our actions. It is no secret that the Student Judicial Services’ process is less than transparent, and D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department does not have the reputation for brushing off underage drinking violations. In times of trouble, you are often your only advocate.