Students, whether they are in graduate school, college, or high school, all have unique concerns when facing criminal prosecution or investigation. While the most immediate concerns of avoiding a conviction and jail are paramount, an arrest or criminal case—even for something as minor as shoplifting—can have other adverse effects on a student and his or her future. Other types of offenses, like drug crimes and theft crimes, can have severe consequences. If you or your child are facing criminal charges in Miami, it is critical for you to be represented by a criminal attorney who has experience representing students and is familiar with the possible consequences of a criminal case.
Possible Consequences of a Conviction
An arrest or criminal conviction can:
- affect the eligibility for current or future student housing;
- trigger disciplinary proceedings that can result in a suspension or expulsion;
- jeopardize present or future scholarships;
- make one ineligible for state and federal student loans;
- disqualify consideration for certain internships or work/study programs;
- delay or hinder the application process for other schools;
- disqualify one from various fields of study or work;
- jeopardize future licensing in industry-specific fields;
- and create an obstacle to future employment.
It is extremely important, whether you are a student or the parent of a student, to take immediate steps to protect your future or the future of your child.
Detail Oriented Representation
Unfortunately, many criminal attorneys fail to take a holistic view of their clients and the unique concerns they present. Instead, they focus on the disposition of the case to the exclusion of all else, without considering how that disposition could negatively affect the client down the road. A disposition that would be perfectly acceptable for some clients could have serious ramifications for a student. For example, a simple drug possession case can have serious consequences. The Department of Education routinely runs the names of student aid applicants against a “Drug Abuse Hold List” provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. A match can sometimes not only make a student ineligible for financial aid but can result in the student’s liability to return any financial aid received during a period of ineligibility.
Criminal Histories and Applications
Over the years, undergraduate and graduate schools have increased their focus on the criminal history of applicants by including specific questions in their admissions applications and by conducting criminal background checks as part of the application process. The schools then reject applicants based either on the answers provided by the student in the application or as a result of the background check. Due to campus safety concerns stoked by a few high-profile crimes, the admissions policies of many schools have gone so far as to now require applicants to not only disclose criminal records but disclose their school disciplinary history. The Common Application, which is currently used by approximately 500 colleges and universities, includes questions regarding the student’s criminal history, as well as the student’s disciplinary records. Needless to say, in this environment, the wrong outcome in a criminal case can effectively put an end to a young person’s academic and career goals.
Contact an Experienced Defense Attorney
Although students can occasionally face criminal charges in federal court, the more common scenario is a violation of state law. Over the years, we have represented hundreds of graduate, college, and high school students in a wide range of cases. There is a good chance that we have a working knowledge and familiarity with both your type of case and with your specific student-related needs and concerns. Feel free to browse through the results section of our site for a representative sample of some of our past cases and the results we have achieved for our clients. By taking the immediate action of hiring an attorney to defend you or your child, you are minimizing the chances of suffering the potential long-lasting consequences that accompany having a criminal record.
CALL US NOW for a CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION at (305) 538-4545, or simply take a moment to fill out our confidential and secure intake form.* The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry.
*Due to the large number of people who contact us requesting our assistance, it is strongly suggested that you take the time to provide us with specific details regarding your case by filling out our confidential and secure intake form. The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry in a timely and appropriate manner.
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