While everyone needs to be aware of the criminal penalties associated with a criminal conviction, there is perhaps no group that must be more wary than college students. Not only does someone attending college or university need to worry about fines and imprisonment used to punish most serious crimes, but they also stand to suffer serious damage to their academic career if convicted.
College or university students are frequently accused of many crimes, including the following:
- Possession of falsified IDs
- Underage drinking
- Marijuana possession
- Petty theft
- Driving under the influence
- Sexual assault
The criminal penalties upon conviction for these aforementioned crimes can vary greatly. Some violations may be misdemeanors and others felonies, for example. Yet beyond those criminal penalties, college students have certain collateral consequences to consider when accused of a crime.
A college student convicted of a serious crime might face the following additional consequences:
- Removal from the school.
- Displacement from certain classes or courses.
- Denial of student loan applications or grants.
- Less competitive graduate school candidacy.
- Internship ineligibility or cancelation.
- Exclusion from fellowship or social events.
The ultimate consequence of a college crime conviction is the inability to complete your education as planned. Without a degree, or with a tarnished university education, you might not be able to find gainful employment. Financial instability may follow graduation, especially if you have student loan debt to repay.
Your Future is Worth Defending – Call (540) 386-0204
As a college student accused of a serious crime, you are staring down a series of heavy consequences if you are convicted. I am Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law and I would like to talk about your charges and concerns during a free initial consultation. I have helped many students at the University of Mary Washington, probably with issues very similar to yours, as compassionate yet effective legal counsel backed by more than a decade of legal experience.
I would like to see how I can help you. Contact my law office today.