As a college student, your actions and decisions have the potential to impact the rest of your life. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re charged with a crime, you can’t afford to take it lightly.
Understand the Charges
First and foremost, understand what you’re up against. Criminal charges can range from misdemeanors, like minor theft or possession of a controlled substance, to felonies, which include more severe crimes.
Each type of charge carries different potential penalties and consequences. You’ll need to review your specific charges to make sure you know exactly what they mean and what the potential consequences are.
As attorney Ryan Beasley says, “A criminal conviction, even if the legal penalty seems negligible, could limit your future professional and educational opportunities. Keep your whole life ahead of you.”
Take the time to read through the charges thoroughly and make sure you know exactly what the charges entail and the possible outcomes. You’ll quickly realize that taking the situation lightly isn’t an option.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
Before you say a word to police or investigators, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney. This step cannot be overstressed. An experienced lawyer will protect your rights, guide you through the legal complexities, and provide all of the necessary advice needed to navigate the situation.
Many college students hesitate to hire an attorney due to financial concerns, but consider this: The potential long-term consequences of a criminal charge could far outweigh the cost of effective legal representation. Some attorneys even offer special rates for students or payment plans to make their services more accessible.
Stay Silent
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can be used against you in the court of law.” This phrase is part of the Miranda Rights for a reason. The worst thing you can do for yourself is start talking without legal guidance and coaching on what to say (and not say).
While most people know they shouldn’t start blabbering to law enforcement and investigators, this also includes friends, family, coworkers, other students, etc. It also pertains to social media, which is one place where people unintentionally self-incriminate themselves in criminal cases.
Understand the Academic Consequences
Apart from the legal ramifications, being charged with a crime can have serious academic and disciplinary consequences. Many colleges and universities have codes of conduct that include disciplinary actions for students charged with crimes. This could range from suspension to expulsion, depending on the severity of the charge and the institution’s policies.
Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor or the student legal services on campus to get a clear understanding of how a criminal charge might affect your academic status and what steps you can take to address the situation within the university.
Prepare for the Long-Term Consequences
Being charged with a crime can have lasting effects beyond college. It can impact your ability to secure employment, obtain professional licenses, or even travel outside the country. It’s important to consider these long-term consequences when deciding how to handle your case.
Discuss potential outcomes with your attorney and how they might affect your future. In some cases, there may be options available to reduce the impact, such as plea bargains or diversion programs, which can potentially allow you to get lighter charges dropped.
Stay Engaged and Proactive
While it may be tempting to withdraw and hope the situation resolves itself, it’s extremely important to stay engaged in both your defense and your education.
Continue attending classes and fulfilling academic responsibilities as much as possible. Being proactive in your defense also means staying in constant communication with your lawyer, gathering evidence, and preparing for court appearances. Don’t get lazy or lose hope – as ignoring these important steps can compromise your case and put you at a severe disadvantage.
A Charge is Not a Conviction
Facing a criminal charge is scary and intimidating – especially when you’re young and still trying to figure out how to “adult” in the real world. But remember this: A charge is not a conviction. With the right steps and support, you can navigate this challenging season and mitigate the impact it has on your future.
