College Student Charged With a Crime

College Student Charged with a Crime in Georgia

If you are a college student charged with a crime or a parent of a college student that has been accused of a crime in Georgia, we can help, If you or your college student is facing criminal charges, you need to call us immediately. A criminal record can disqualify college students from receiving student aid, can affect chances of gaining employment after graduation, or result in expulsion from the University. Our Georgia criminal attorneys can help you understand how criminal charges affect college students. We know that you may just not be concerned about the immediate consequences, but the long term effects a criminal conviction can have on a student's academic and professional career. If you are a college student who has been accused of a crime, contact us today for a free case evaluation.

A criminal conviction can have some of the same repercussions for a college student that it would for any other person. The penalties include jail time, extensive probation conditions, and hefty fines. Additionally, a college student can also face penalties from their college or university depending on whether the alleged offense took place on university grounds, or involved another university student, faculty, or staff.

In addition to facing criminal charges, you may also be brought before a university judicial board and held to answer for the violation of your university's code of student council. Many student codes include violations of criminal laws as a basis to initiate student judicial hearings.

Common Criminal Charges for College Students in Georgia

College students can face any number of criminal charges. However, we frequently see students charged with:

Shoplifting Charges in College

One of the most common criminal charges college students face in Georgia is shoplifting. Shoplifting is a form of theft that requires a person to intentionally take merchandise without paying for it or depriving the owner of possession of the merchandise. Shoplifting can occur by walking out of a store without paying for the items, altering price tags, switching price tags, or moving merchandise into a different container.

The penalty for shoplifting depends on the amount of property taken. If the total value of the property was $500 or less, then the crime will be classified as a misdemeanor. The penalty will be a fine up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. If the total value of the property has a value of more than $500, then it is classified as a felony with fines at the court's discretion and between one to ten years in jail. Neither of these situations is desirable for a college student. Even having a misdemeanor on your record can make your life difficult.

Our shoplifting attorneys in Georgia have been defending college students for decades. We have managed to get countless shoplifting cases dismissed and ensured that our clients do not have a criminal record.

Disorderly Conduct Charges in College

College students in Georgia can be charged with disorderly conduct for a variety of reasons. Some examples of activities that could be considered disorderly conduct include fighting, disruptive protests, disturbing an assembly, public urination, and public intoxication.

While disorderly conduct isn't a serious offense, it is one that employers may look unfavorably on if they see it on your criminal record. That is why we encourage every college student to hire a lawyer when charged with this so it cannot affect their future.

DUI Charges for College Students in Georgia

Many colleges and universities throughout Georgia employ rigorous Codes of Student Conduct. Looking at the University of Georgia, their Code of Conduct states that a student charged with DUI alcohol or drugs, then they have violated the Code, and the University will carry out proceedings in addition to civil or criminal proceedings. Students can have a lawyer during the school proceedings, and we highly recommend it.

Our DUI lawyers in Georgia have decades of experience handling DUI charges. We are here to assist with both the criminal case and the proceedings the University holds. We understand that a DUI conviction can impact scholarships, athletic participation, and future plans and our desire is to help avoid these consequences.

Possession of Marijuana Charges for College Students in Georgia

Although the culture in the United States has changed rapidly regarding marijuana use, Georgia law has still not legalized it. Young adults and college students might think that law enforcement will look the other way with a minor offense like possession of marijuana, but that rarely happens. In reality, you could end up facing serious criminal charges, losing student aid, and getting stuck with a criminal record that will impact them for many years to come.

The Importance of Having an Attorney When Charged During College

University hearings do not necessarily follow the same timeline as a criminal case. Universities have different policies and different procedures than criminal cases, but the actions taken at the hearing could incriminate you in your criminal case. Having an experienced Georgia College Attorney represent you at both the criminal level and the university level will ensure that your rights are protected at both hearings and that you receive the best possible outcome.

If your child is pursuing a degree in criminal justice, education, or health care, they will need experienced representation to avoid a permanent criminal record. If convicted of a crime, it can be challenging to pursue a career in those fields. We strive to help students avoid these life-altering consequences.

Our College Crime Attorneys in Georgia Are Ready to Help Now

Our lawyers have over 50 combined years of experience in criminal defense. We have the necessary expertise to build a strong case and ensure the best legal outcome for your child. During this time, we advise that you or your child avoid making statements to friends, police, or other law enforcement officials until after speaking with us. Criminal activity on college campuses is not taken lightly, which is why you need legal representation!

We are dedicated to making sure your future is protected when charged with a crime in college in Georgia. We understand that mistakes happen, and they should not follow you for the rest of your life. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.