College life can be filled with unexpected dangers, such as underage drinking or operating under the influence. If your child has been arrested, your first step should be to hire one of our defense attorneys. A defense attorney will make sure your child doesn’t pay lifetime consequences for a youthful mistake.

Can a Criminal Record Affect College?

Yes! A criminal record can disqualify your child from receiving federal student aid, destroy their chances of gainful employment after graduation, and even get them expelled from their dream college. That’s why it’s important to hire a skilled defense attorney as soon as possible to represent your child’s case.

School Policy ≠ Criminal Law

Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, it’s important to know that there is a difference between violating school policy and committing a crime. When a college student violates school policy, the consequences are determined by their college’s disciplinary system. When a college student commits a crime, the consequences will be determined by a jury in a court of law.

If there is any overlap between violating school policy and committing a crime, the police and university will conduct their own separate investigations. Keep in mind that just because your child was cleared by the university, doesn’t mean that they won’t be convicted of criminal charges in a court of law. Likewise, your child may be expelled from their school even if they’re found not guilty of a crime.

Your child’s university may have a lower standard of proof than a court of law, which means less evidence is needed for the university to issue repercussions. For example, college athletes accused of crimes may be suspended from their teams until charges are dropped or they are found not guilty. A criminal defense attorney for college students can help ensure the best legal outcome for your child.

College Students Are Vulnerable

Many college students are away from their parents for the first time, which makes them especially vulnerable when facing charges for college campus crimes. Since young adults are away from their support systems, they may not be able to afford the legal representation they need to build a strong defense.

If your child is attending college in a different state, this can also complicate their situation. Laws vary from state to state and you may have difficulty trying to support your child when you are halfway across the country.

Criminal Record Limits Career Choices

If your child is pursuing a degree in criminal justice, education, or health care, they will need the best legal representation to avoid a permanent criminal record. Your child will not be able to pursue careers in these fields if they are convicted of a crime.

If your college student is charged with OWI and/or MIP, you’ll want to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to prevent them from losing their driver’s license. Many college students depend on their driver’s license to drive to school, internships, and jobs. Other OWI consequences for college students include losing scholarship funding or even being expelled from their college.

How a Defense Attorney Helps

A criminal defense lawyer will have the necessary experience to build a strong case and ensure the best legal outcome for your child. Your child should avoid making statements to friends, police, or disciplinary boards until after they receive counsel from a criminal defense attorney. Crime on college campuses is not taken lightly, which is why your child will need legal representation.

Request a Free Legal Consultation

Our defense attorneys in Grand Rapids, MI will be more than happy to work one-on-one with you so you receive the best legal guidance and defense. To request a free legal consultation, call John Engman & Associates, P.C. at (616) 454-5222.