College students often experiment with drugs, alcohol, and other illicit behaviors. Unfortunately, the consequences of such actions can be so severe that it places a person’s future and career in peril. Not only can students face fines, probation, and jail time, but they also may be subject to disciplinary actions at school.
One of our experienced criminal Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert may be able to represent the interests of these students and their families as they go through these often stressful and frightening proceedings. A Lake Worth Student Defense Lawyer may be able to help students dealing with the ramifications of a criminal accusation and a potential conviction.
Common Offenses Involving Students
Common criminal charges seen in cases involving students include alcohol-related charges such as underage drinking, possession of alcohol, possession of a fake ID, and driving under the influence. Resisting arrest, minor drug possession, and other similar offenses are also seen in cases involving student defenses.
Even though college students may be facing a first-time offense, they could still be facing harsh consequences. A first DUI, for example, could result in a license suspension, fines, community service hours, probation, alcohol education or treatment, and even jail time. Other financial consequences may include an increase in insurance premiums, license reinstatement fees, and the costs associated with installing and maintain an ignition interlock device.
Severity of a Criminal Conviction
If your child were to be handed a criminal conviction, the financial and legal consequences may be difficult to recover from. Florida has no laws that permits the expungement of criminal convictions, causing many students to possess a criminal conviction on their record throughout the remainder of their lives. However, expungement opportunities may be available to students who managed to avoid a conviction.
A criminal record can cause prospective employers, graduate schools, and professional schools to overlook individuals in favor of similarly-qualified individuals who have no criminal record. In some cases, a criminal record could cause difficulties in attaining professional licensing and even rule out some careers altogether.
College is a more competitive environment than ever, as students race to obtain highly-coveted jobs and internships in an increasingly tight job market. A Lake Worth Student Defense Lawyer may be able to help alleviate some of this stress by representing the interests of students in any criminal and school-related proceedings.
Collegiate Disciplinary Proceedings
If a student manages to overcome the criminal charges they are facing, they may still be at risk of punishment by their schools. Even an arrest that never leads to a conviction or the filing of criminal charges being can result in a school taking disciplinary actions against students.
While disciplinary procedures at colleges differ to some degree, they all involve administrative proceedings before college or university officials. Students do not have the same rights in these proceedings as they do in criminal proceedings, which makes them more susceptible to discipline. For students in this position, it may be highly beneficial to contact a Lake Worth Student Defense Lawyer for advice.
Consult a Lake Worth Student Defense Attorney Today
If you are facing criminal charges, academic disciplinary charges, or both, you are likely to be experiencing a great deal of stress about how these proceedings could impact your future. Depending upon the outcome of your case, your future could be negatively affected for years to come. A Lake Worth Student Defense Lawyer can assess your situation and help determine the best defense strategies available to you in both proceedings.
While it may be tempting to try and handle matters on your own, you are likely to be unaware of all the potential remedies and methods of resolution that may be available to you. Schedule a consultation today with one of our Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert to get started on working on your case today.
