College is a tumultuous time where young people feel pressured to do things that may get them arrested, and an arrest record at that age can have lasting negative consequences. Although the circumstances may feel dire when facing a charge as a student, there are still opportunities for accused students to appropriately defend themselves in a court of law and in student hearings.
If you are a student that has been involved in a crime, it is important that you consult with one of our skilled attorneys at Leifert & Leifert to understand your rights and options. A Sunrise student defense lawyer will be able to assess your case, help you understand the laws, and will fight for you each step of the way.
Common Crimes Involving Students in Sunrise
While some students can become involved in all types of crime, certain crimes are particularly common among student populations, including the following:
- Campus alcohol violations
- Title IX violations
- Fake ID
- DUI or traffic ticket
- Drug possession and trafficking
- Underage drinking and public intoxication
- Hazing and harassment
- Sexual assault and obscenity
- Assault and battery
- Theft
The consequences for these crimes range widely in severity, and multiple crimes often occur in a single incident. Even the least severe crime can create a situation that spins out of control.
What are the Consequences of a Student Conviction?
For most students who become involved in a crime, it is their first offense, and often the offense if fairly minor. However, even minor crimes, if they end up on a student’s permanent record, can have disastrous effects for their education and career prospects.
Often, prosecutors will exploit a student’s fear of consequences to encourage them to plead no contest to a slightly lesser offense. Unfortunately, this can create further issues that could have been avoided had they argued the initial charge.
Could Lesser Offenses Still Show Up on a Student’s Permanent Record?
No matter if the action was a minor offense, it will still show up on the student’s permanent record when a lawyer could have avoided that outcome. An attorney experienced in dealing with student offenses has the tools to uncover evidentiary issues, seeking corroborating eyewitnesses or reliable alibis, and to persuade the prosecutor to lower the charge or withhold filing charges altogether.
School Consequences
Second, a criminal charge may trigger punishment from the school as well, such as suspension or expulsion, even though the incident may have taken place off-campus and did not involve other students of that school. This is not only an issue with regular crimes but may also extend to school-specific violations, such as a school’s alcohol policy or Title IX issues.
Future Expungement
Under Florida law, a person cannot get a criminal record sealed or expunged if they have been adjudicated guilty of a crime. Sometimes although the student pled no contest, a judge will still find them guilty, and as a result, the student may not be able to get a future more serious offense sealed or expunged if they need to. Many college students are looking to go into the legal or medical profession or another lucrative career, and having a black mark on a permanent record will not make that easier and may make it impossible.
Consult with a Sunrise Student Defense Attorney Today
Perhaps you had too much to drink, and a situation got out of hand. No matter how it happened, you need a Sunrise student defense lawyer to protect your rights and your interests. Do not throw away a promising future. You cannot rely on prosecutors or judges to have your best interests in mind. That is why you should seek your own legal representation from one of our attorneys at Leifert & Leifert who will fight for you and protect you throughout the process. Reach out today to discuss your case.
