Life as a student can be challenging, especially when balancing schoolwork, social obligations, and other commitments. Legal issues should not be one of the things you have to worry about. The good news is that Leifert & Leifert is available for students facing any sort of legal problem.
If you are a student in Palm Beach Gardens and need to defend yourself against a legal claim, a Palm Beach Gardens student defense lawyer is here for you. The Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert will help review the facts and issues in your case to decide what your next steps should be. Our capable criminal defense attorneys know how to work with students and their various schools to help them defend lawsuits in and out of Court.
Some Legal Issues That Can Impact Students
There are a variety of issues involving criminal charges that can impact students in Palm Beach Gardens. Students dealing with a potential criminal charge may need to defend themselves against prosecution. Possible criminal issues that students may encounter include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Possession of marijuana
- Domestic violence
- Stalkng/Harrassment
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Under Florida Statutes §316.193, an individual is considered under the influence of alcohol if their blood alcohol level (BAC) is 0.08 or higher. Those convicted of a first DUI violation may be punished by up to a six-month term of imprisonment and a $500 to $1,000 fine. A second conviction may result in imprisonment for up to nine months and a $1,000 to $2,000 fine.
Marijuana Possession
Florida Statutes §893.13 sets forth possible penalties for the possession of marijuana. Specifically, you may face a first-degree misdemeanor charge for possessing 20 grams or less of marijuana in Palm Beach Gardens, a charge which is punishable by up to a year of imprisonment and a $1,000 fine. Students who are concerned about marijuana-related offenses or potential charges involving other drugs may wish to contact a Palm Beach Gardens student defense attorney for possible further assistance.
Domestic Violence
With respect to domestic violence, Florida Statutes §741.283 mandates a minimum of 10 days in county jail for a first offense. This minimum period increases to 15 days for a second offense and 20 days for a third or subsequent offense. If you have questions about domestic violence penalties, or about actions that may be classified as such, you may benefit from a consultation with a student defense lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens.
University Disciplinary Hearings and Conduct Investigations
A student who is facing any potential criminal charge may also have to deal with a separate investigation by their school or university. Such investigations may lead to disciplinary hearings that could result in academic penalties, including suspension or expulsion.
It is worth noting that any conduct investigation performed by your school is usually separate from any state criminal proceeding. Therefore, it is wise to be aware of your own school’s code of conduct, as well as any other school regulations that may be relevant to your case.
Contacting a Palm Beach Gardens Student Defense Attorney
In an ideal world, students should not have to worry about distracting legal issues. However, sometimes such issues arise and may seem overwhelming. If you have encountered legal issues while at college or university, a Palm Beach Gardens student defense lawyer may be able to help.
Our attorneys at Leifert & Leifert have worked with students dealing with cases just like yours before and know the concerns and challenges you may face. An experienced lawyer could provide legal representation and possibly help defend against any possible criminal charges—call today to find out what we can do for you.
