(561)988-8000 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.
A criminal allegation can affect much more than a single court date. For many students, the real concern is what happens next: whether they can stay enrolled, keep scholarships, preserve housing, participate in campus activities, or avoid lasting damage to their academic and professional plans. That is why working with a Palm Beach Gardens student defense lawyer early in the process can be so important. A strong response at the beginning of a case can make a meaningful difference in how the matter develops, what information is presented, and what options may be available moving forward.
Students are often dealing with two kinds of pressure at once. On one side, there is the criminal case itself, with the possibility of arrest records, court appearances, probation, fines, or other penalties. On the other side, there are school-related consequences that can begin almost immediately, sometimes before a case is resolved. Leifert & Leifert understands that student defense is not just about the charge on paper. It is also about protecting a student’s education, reputation, and future opportunities.
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. 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
- Stalking/Harrassment
- Violations of the Student Code of Conduct
- Off campus allegations
- Hazing
Other criminal allegations can also put a student in a difficult position, especially where campus rules and criminal law overlap. Accusations involving harassment, threats, fake identification, theft, disorderly conduct, drug paraphernalia, or disputes in dorms or off-campus housing can quickly escalate. Even if a student assumes the issue is minor, the consequences can become serious once law enforcement, campus security, or school administrators get involved. A student defense lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens can help determine whether the evidence supports the accusation and whether the student’s rights were respected throughout the process.
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.
For students, a DUI case can create problems that go beyond the courtroom. It can interfere with transportation to class or work, raise issues with parents or financial supporters, and affect how the student is viewed by a college, graduate program, or future employer. In some cases, the accusation itself can trigger school discipline or other administrative action. That is one reason students often benefit from getting legal guidance as soon as possible rather than waiting to see how things unfold.
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 should contact a Palm Beach Gardens student defense attorney for possible further assistance.
Drug-related allegations can be especially damaging for students because they often raise separate concerns about housing, financial aid, internships, athletics, and school discipline. A criminal defense strategy should account for the full picture, not just the immediate charge. A lawyer can look for weaknesses in the State’s case, examine how evidence was obtained, and help the student avoid making statements or decisions that worsen the situation.
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.
Domestic violence accusations can be particularly disruptive for students because they often affect where a person can live, who they can contact, and whether they can continue normal routines while a case is pending. Allegations that arise out of arguments, roommate disputes, or dating relationships should be taken seriously from the start. Students should not assume they can explain everything later and expect the situation to resolve on its own. Early legal representation often matters.
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 probation, 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.
This separate school process is one of the main reasons students and families choose to hire counsel. A person may be trying to manage a criminal case, a university investigation, pressure from administrators, and the fear of public embarrassment all at once. An attorney can help the student respond in a more organized way, prepare for hearings or meetings, and avoid missteps that can create new problems. Hiring counsel is not just about appearing in court. It is about having an advocate who understands how one allegation can affect multiple parts of a student’s future at the same time.
Protecting Your Future by Hiring an Attorney
Protection of future opportunities should be a central part of any student defense strategy. A criminal charge or school disciplinary finding can affect graduate school applications, professional licensing paths, background checks, scholarships, internships, and employment prospects. Students often have too much at stake to handle these matters casually. Leifert & Leifert can work to protect more than the student’s immediate legal position. The goal is also to reduce long-term fallout wherever possible and help preserve the opportunities the student has been working toward.
Hiring a Palm Beach Gardens student defense lawyer also means having someone who can give clear, practical guidance during a stressful time. Students often feel pressure to answer questions quickly, cooperate without fully understanding the consequences, or treat the allegation like a school problem instead of a criminal defense matter. A lawyer can provide perspective, explain what is happening, and help the student make better-informed decisions. For many families, that guidance alone is a major source of relief.
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.
If you or your child is facing a criminal accusation, do not wait for the situation to become harder to control. The sooner you involve an experienced attorney, the sooner you can start protecting your rights, your academic standing, and your future. Leifert & Leifert represents students in criminal defense matters with an understanding of how much is at risk both inside and outside the courtroom.
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.
