University of Washington star tight-end Austin Seferian-Jenkins was charged this week with a misdemeanor DUI.

The criminal charges follow an incident last month when the top NFL prospect was arrested after getting into a one-car accident, reports The Seattle Times. Authorities say that Seferian-Jenkins had a blood alcohol level well over double the legal limit. He tested for 0.18 percent, while the legal limit to drink and drive for adults is 0.08.

If Seferian-Jenkins is convicted of the charges, he could face up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 monetary fine. However, the arrest could end up costing Seferian-Jenkins millions more.

After the arrest, University of Washington head football coach Steve Sarkisian suspended his star player indefinitely pending the criminal investigation. Because Seferian-Jenkins was only charged with a misdemeanor, Sarkisian may lift the suspension with the approval of the university sport administrator.

Even if Seferian-Jenkins is reinstated, he could see his draft stock fall, or at least fall out of the first round of next year's NFL draft. That slip could literally cost him millions.

College students will drink. It's a part of the college experience and we know this. However, if you choose to drink, you should not drink and drive. The penalties for a DUI can be severe and can go well beyond what is written in the statutes. In addition, because many college students are underage, they compound their problems if they are caught drunk behind the wheels.

Still, not every drunk driving arrest results in a conviction. You are innocent until proven guilty and there may be viable defenses to your arrest.

That's why it is important to work with an experienced Seattle DUI attorney if you are arrested in the Seattle or King County areas. An attorney can review the facts of your case and explain your available options. An attorney will also advocate for your rights and ensure that you don't fight your fight alone.

Contact the Seattle DUI attorneys at Wolff Criminal Defense by calling 425-284-2000.