Being a student is an exciting time in a young person’s life. It is a time to explore the world and learn what it means to be an adult. Unfortunately, sometimes students can get into trouble while learning about themselves and enjoying the freedom of living on their own.
When the police are involved, a fun time can quickly become a life-changing situation. Along with potential criminal charges, students may also face disciplinary actions taken by their institution of education.
If you or a student in your life is facing criminal accusations, it may be vital that you speak with a seasoned attorney. A Lawrence County student defense lawyer is familiar with the legal process, as well as educational disciplinary processes that a student may be subject to. Criminal charges may not only affect the student’s criminal background, but the student’s educational institution may take action against the student as well.
Common Student OffensesStudents often get in trouble with issues surrounding drugs and alcohol. It is a crime for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol. If the police catch a person with a small amount of marijuana, the government can charge them with a Class A misdemeanor.
If the police catch a person driving with 0.08 percent blood alcohol content, the police can arrest that person. If the driver is under the age of 21 and has 0.02 percent blood alcohol content, the police can arrest the driver.
There is the possibility that if the government charges a young person, the offender could be reclassified as a youthful offender which means that the actor could receive a lighter punishment than if the government charged them as an adult.
Disciplinary Hearings in Lawrence CountyNot everyone may be aware, but colleges and universities often have a code of conduct that the school requires the students to abide by. If a student violates the code of conduct, they may be subject to disciplinary action by their school of higher learning. If the educational institution believes that a student has broken a rule, the school can issue sanctions against the student. These sanctions could include the university suspending or expelling the student.
If someone has any fears about the school conducting a disciplinary hearing, it may be beneficial to enlist the services of a Lawrence County student defense lawyer to defend them at that hearing. A legal representative may be able to make sure that the defendant is properly heard and may be able to prevent information that is not relevant from being introduced at the hearing.
If the disciplinary hearing has a negative outcome, the student may end up being asked to leave student housing, lose scholarships, be suspended or even expelled from the university.
Reach Out to a Lawrence County Student Defense AttorneyIf you are a student, a conviction could have lasting effects on your education and future professional chances. It is important to take any hints of accusations seriously and quickly build a strong defense.
Even if the government has only charged you with a small criminal act, the ramifications may be felt throughout your life and may stop you from having the future you imagined for yourself.
This is not the time to be passive. Ensure that you have someone on your side who understands the law and educational institution’s disciplinary hearing process. Work with an attorney who could help you build a solid strategy to protect yourself and your future. Call a Lawrence county student defense lawyer today.