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Chantilly Student Defense Lawyer

For many young adults going away to college, it is likely to be the first time that they have lived on their own. As a result, it is not uncommon for college students to make mistakes and have other lapses in judgment that can lead to legal troubles. If you or your adult child is facing criminal charges, you are likely to need the assistance of a Chantilly student defense lawyer.

With the help of a student defense attorney, you may be able to minimize or avoid some of the negative consequences of criminal charges. You also may be able to work toward the most positive resolution of situation possible, with a minimum of adverse impact on your life and future.

Students and Common Criminal Offenses

College or university students throughout the state may be charged with any criminal offenses, just like any other adults. The fact is, however, that college students often have more to lose than other adults. Even if their actions occur entirely off-campus, they still could face college disciplinary proceedings in addition to criminal penalties if convicted of a crime.

Some of the most common types of criminal arrests or charges that students may experience include the following:

A criminal conviction can have serious penalties, even for a young adult with no previous criminal record. In fact, a mere arrest can trigger student disciplinary proceedings, even if the charges are never filed by the prosecutor or later dismissed.

These proceedings have the potential to result in serious sanctions, including probation, suspension, and even expulsion in extreme cases, so enlisting the help of a Chantilly student defense attorney may be crucial to avoiding these consequences.

Arrests, Criminal Charges, and Student Disciplinary Proceedings

Not only can criminal charges result in probation, fines, and even jail time, but they can create a permanent criminal record that students likely must disclose on every graduate and professional school application in the future. A criminal conviction also is likely to appear on routine background checks by prospective employers. Even worse, an arrest, even if there is never a criminal conviction, can effectively derail the current educational pursuits of college students.

Student conduct code or disciplinary proceedings are much different than criminal prosecutions and related court proceedings. In criminal court, all individuals enjoy certain constitutional rights, such as the right to counsel and a presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In university disciplinary proceedings, however, it is often up to students to affirmatively prove that they are innocent.

Furthermore, traditional rules of evidence that are designed to protect the rights of accused persons in criminal proceedings are entirely absent in administrative school disciplinary proceedings. This means that school officials can rely on hearsay or any other evidence, no matter how unreliable, in making decisions about how to sanction students who are accused of misconduct.

A student defense lawyer in Chantilly may be able to help represent the interests of accused students during disciplinary proceedings and appealing any negative decisions and penalties that the school may decide to impose.

Enlist the Help of a Chantilly Student Defense Attorney Today

In additional to criminal arrests and charges, college students also may face other offenses or allegations that may not be in criminal in nature, but still have the capacity to result in student disciplinary or conduct code violation proceedings.

These offenses, which could include charges of plagiarism and cheating, also may impact the future educational and professional endeavors of some college students. This is another situation in which a Chantilly student defense lawyer may be able to help.

Working with legal counsel throughout any criminal court and student disciplinary proceedings could be crucial to avoiding many negative consequences that can haunt college students for years to come. Getting legal representation to help with these types of matters can help protect your future.

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