Student Defense in Tuscaloosa

Whether you are charged with a serious crime or a relatively petty one, a criminal conviction can disrupt your life and affect your reputation for a long time. Sometimes it is easy to forget that actions we take when we are young can have negative consequences down the road through adulthood.

To protect your future or your child’s future, it is important that you find a Tuscaloosa student defense lawyer who knows the local legal system and the relevant rules and laws at play in your case. A compassionate criminal attorney understands how important it is that you or your child receives competent and zealous representation.

If the young person is under the age of 18, Alabama Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over the matter. Once someone turns eighteen, he or she is treated as an adult in the eyes of the law, unless the person is under the age of twenty-one and the matter occurred prior to their 18th birthday. One benefit of being under the jurisdiction of the Alabama Juvenile Court is that the public cannot access arrest records of a juvenile, except under certain circumstances.

Unfortunately, as soon as someone turns eighteen, they may be charged as an adult for any subsequent criminal offenses, meaning the young person is subject to the same legal responsibilities and enjoys the same legal rights as an adult. As most students who attend the University of Alabama are at least eighteen years of age, they are subject to being treated as adults by the criminal justice system.

Some common charges among university students include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Marijuana Possession
• Disorderly Conduct
• Public Intoxication
• Minor Possession of Alcohol
• Underage Drinking
• Assault

If someone or their child has been charged with any of the above crimes, or any others, contact a Tuscaloosa student defense lawyer as soon as possible to protect their legal rights.

If you have been accused of a crime or violation of your school’s code of student conduct, you may be called to a disciplinary hearing. It is very important to prepare properly for these disciplinary hearings, as the outcome can have a large impact on your academic record. Students can also be subject to suspension or expulsion. A Tuscaloosa student defense attorney can represent you in your defense against any charges, both criminally and at school disciplinary hearings.

After a young person is charged with a criminal offense or code of conduct violation, they may feel devastated. However, people make mistakes and this is not the end of the world. The important thing to do now is to form a clear-headed plan to limit the damage to the student’s record and reputation. Whether you are the student or the parent of a student charged with a criminal offense, reach out to a fierce legal advocate who will protect all of your legal rights. For more information about a how a Tuscaloosa student defense lawyer can fight for you, contact today.