Student Defense in Baldwin County

If you have been accused of a crime, the right representation can mean the difference between jail time and having a case dismissed. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney can attempt to resolve a student’s criminal case in a manner that will do the least amount of harm to a student’s career prospects and reputation.

If you are facing a criminal lawsuit, contact a Baldwin County student defense lawyer to learn about your options and rights. A dedicated defense attorney will work hard to protect your rights.

Types of Student Crimes

Students face a plethora of potential hardships in the legal system. There are multiple offenses that students can be charged with, in addition to the general crimes a person can be charged with, for instance:

• Hazing
• Dating violence (including statutory rape)
• Academic dishonesty (cheating)
• Trespassing
• Campus violence
• Threats
• Petty theft
• Narcotics charges (Possession, sales, and/or transportation of a controlled substance)
• Violence against principals, teachers, or other school staff
• Illegal use of alcohol or drugs
• Bullying and cyber bullying
• Improper use of a motor vehicle (age/status restrictions)

Potential Consequences of a Conviction

If an individual is found guilty of a crime, that criminal conviction could have far-reaching implications. The conviction may appear on criminal background searches and can make it much more difficult to obtain employment. Some employers request information regarding prior convictions at job interviews.

Alabama is considered an “at will” state when it comes to employment, meaning employers can terminate an employee for almost any reason, provided that it is not a violation of state, federal, or local law (for instance, firing an employee based upon religion or race).

Defending against a criminal case can also prove problematic in other ways. An employer may be inclined to fire an individual who cannot meet their work requirements because of mandatory attendances at court. That is why it is especially important to contact a Baldwin County student defense attorney to learn about how a conviction can affect an individual’s life.

Alternative Resolutions

The law recognizes that students are in a unique time in their lives. Most students are still young adults, learning about right and wrong. There are a number of different ways that a criminal case can be resolved – not every case ends with jail time:

• Expulsion or suspension – withdrawing from school for a period of time (sometimes with permission to return at a later date)
• Pre-trial diversion or deferred prosecution (Adjournments in Contemplation of Dismissal -ACD/ACOD) – an application by defense counsel requesting that the case is rescheduled (adjourned) for a future date, and the case be dismissed if certain criteria are met by the defendant (only available for select, minor crimes)
• Community service – a sentence requiring that the defendant perform a certain number of community service hours
• Probation – a period of observing an individual to ensure that they are exhibiting good behavior (subject to regular check-ins, monitoring, and other types of supervision)
• Time served – conviction where the sentence is the time that the defendant already spent in remand while waiting for trial
• Dismissal – if a defense lawyer prevails at trial, the case may be dismissed, resulting in no conviction for the defendant
• Misdemeanor – conviction of a criminal offense that results in a maximum of one year in jail in most states
• Felony – conviction of a criminal offense that results in more than one year of jail time

Contact a Baldwin County Student Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested, charged, or accused of a crime, contact a Baldwin County student defense lawyer immediately for more assistance. Most people need an attorney to answer their questions and evaluate their case.

A lawyer should be able to customize a strategy that seeks to accomplish your goals. It is important to work with an attorney from the very beginning to plan your narrative.

Police and accusers will have an opportunity to voice their version of the events. It is important that your narrative be coherent, plausible, consistent, and honest. Call today to schedule a consultation.

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