Learning how to navigate the world is a rite of passage for college students today, and many students end up on the receiving end of criminal charges after committing a minor infraction. At GPS Law Group, we offer support for college students facing criminal convictions and the associated consequences, and today, we want to cover some of the most common charges against students and how our firm can help.
The Potential Effect of Criminal Charges on College Students
The consequences of committing a crime are the same for college students as they are for any other person. Depending on the infraction, students may face potential jail time, heavy fines, or probation conditions. However, the difference lies in the fact that students may face additional penalties enforced by their university, depending on whether the incident took place on or near the university grounds or if the situation involves a faculty member or another student.
In these cases, you may have to go before the university’s judicial board and answer to the violation in regards to the school’s code of conduct. Even if the case does not directly involve the university, many student codes dictate the violation of the area’s law as a basis for initiating a hearing.
Common Criminal Charges
Our firm handles a number of crimes that frequently occur on college campuses or are often associated with students. These include cases involving:
- DUI/DWI
- Underage drinking
- Traffic violations
- Assault and battery
- Minor drug offenses, like the possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia
- Trespassing
- Retail theft / shoplifting
Move Forward with an Attorney’s Guidance
Having an attorney present at any university and criminal hearings can help you avoid incriminating yourself and negatively impacting your case on either side. Our firm is here to provide ongoing guidance and advice during all hearings and stages of your criminal case, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you were recently charged with a crime.