Springfield 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. Consequently, 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 Springfield student defense lawyer.

With the help of a skilled 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, similar to any other adults. It should be noted 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:

• Underage drinking and DUI
• Possession of marijuana or other controlled substances
• Assault and sexual assault
• Reckless driving and other driving-related offenses

A criminal conviction can have serious penalties, even for a young adult with no previous criminal record. 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, which include probation, suspension, and even expulsion in extreme cases. Enlisting the help of a student defense attorney in Springfield may be crucial to building a defense against.

Arrests, Criminal Charges, and Student Disciplinary Proceedings

While criminal charges could result in probation, fines, and even jail time, they may also 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. An arrest could also effectively derail the current educational pursuits of college students even if there is never a criminal conviction.

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, which includes the right to counsel and a presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, it is often up to students in university disciplinary proceedings to affirmatively prove that they are innocent.

As an experienced attorney could explain, traditional rules of evidence that are designed to protect the rights of accused persons in criminal proceedings are also 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 Springfield student defense lawyer may be able to help represent the interests of accused students during disciplinary proceedings and appealing any negative decisions and penalties that the school could decide to impose.

Enlist the Help of a Springfield Student Defense Attorney

With the potential criminal arrests and charges, college students also may face other non-criminal offenses or allegations that 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 Springfield 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.