Students typically balance many responsibilities, and a criminal offense may disrupt a student’s already stressful schedule. Additionally, a criminal record could affect a student’s academic status, scholarships, eligibility for student loans, and future employment.
Given the potential for severe consequences, a student could benefit from speaking to an experienced Attorney at Leifert & Leifert. A Tequesta student defense Lawyer could advise a student before they provide any self-incriminating statements to law enforcement or prosecutors.
What Criminal Charges Could Students Face in Tequesta?
A criminal conviction can sabotage a student’s education and career plans, especially if a jail sentence is imposed. Unfortunately, many students whose academic careers are interrupted by criminal proceedings are unable to return and finish their diplomas or degrees. Additionally, students convicted of a crime that do complete their education may face difficulties securing employment in their field due to their criminal background.
Examples of criminal charges a student may face include sexual assault, shoplifting, domestic violence, battery and driving under the influence. An accomplished student defense Attorney could aggressively defend a student in Tequesta against Misdemeanor or Felony charges to help protect a student’s future.
Options After Formal Charges
Going to trial is not the only option for a student facing charges. There are ways that a student’s formal charges could be dismissed, sealed, or expunged from the student’s criminal record.
What is a Pre-Trial Diversion Program?
The State Attorney runs a pre-trial diversion program that resembles probation. For instance, participants must report to a probation officer once a month and undergo random drug testing in addition to any other conditions agreed upon by you, your lawyer and the Prosecutor. This program typically only admits first-time, nonviolent offenders.
Participants that complete this program will have their formal charges dismissed. There are many benefits for participants in this program, such as avoiding a costly trial and avoiding a permanent criminal record. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to get you accepted into one of these programs if you qualify and should also be able to negotiate the best terms on your behalf.
If available to you, this is normally the best option as it guarantees a full Dismissal of your charges if you successfully complete the Diversion Program
Plea Bargaining
If a student is not able to participate in the pre-trial diversion program, a student could have an Attorney negotiate with the trial division Prosecutor on their behalf. This negotiation could result in a reduction of sanctions. Additionally, an Attorney could obtain a “withholding of adjudication,” which permits a student to deny ever being convicted of a criminal offense legally.
It may be beneficial for a student to seek legal counseling to ensure charges do not compromise their future. A competent Tequesta student defense Attorney could thoroughly explain a student’s legal options and help them decide the next steps.
Student Disciplinary Proceedings
A violation of a school’s student code of conduct could jeopardize a student’s academic standing and future. For instance, a student that fails to comply with their school’s rules and regulations may face serious consequences such as suspension, expulsion, grade penalties, or loss of school privileges.
Often, a student will need to make a case before their school’s disciplinary committee. An Attorney could defend or represent a student against charges of school code violations such as academic dishonesty, physical assault, sexual assault, civil disobedience, or drug possession in Tequesta.
Applicants of a professional college such as law school or medical school may be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check. A qualified Attorney could assist both applicants and licensed professionals with issues related to criminal background checks and professional licensure.
Contact a Tequesta Student Defense Attorney Today
It is important to speak to an accomplished Tequesta student defense Lawyer about any criminal charges you are facing. A single criminal charge could ruin your future goals, such as qualifying for scholarships and being accepted into graduate school.
Do not let a single mistake derail you from meeting your goals. Schedule a consultation with one of our well-versed Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert to begin developing a defense strategy that is best suited for your case.
