Copyright @ Raphael Ortega Law PLLC, 2023| All rights reserved.
Texas is home to many of the nation’s best colleges and universities that attract students from all over the country. However, a single lapse in judgment can have a substantial impact on a college student’s future. A criminal conviction or a violation of a school’s code of conduct can limit a student’s opportunities down the road. In some cases, a student could be at risk of suspension or expulsion.
When you or your child is charged with a criminal offense or violation of school codes, contact a Conroe student defense lawyer. When you retain legal counsel early on, you improve your chances of reducing the impact of such a charge on your future. Experienced defense attorney Raphael Ortega could protect your rights and provide practical legal advice.
Texas is home to many of the nation’s leading colleges and universities. For many young adults, going to college is an exciting experience as they begin the transition into adulthood. As exciting as college may be, it is not without challenges, and students frequently find themselves in trouble with the law. Most crimes involving students are not violent and instead involve incidents deemed unlawful relative to their age. For example, most college students are under the age of 21 and may find themselves facing charges for drinking or purchasing alcohol while underage. Students over the age of 21 can also face charges for providing alcohol to minors.
Less common offenses on college campuses may involve theft, drugs, sexual assault, or driving under the influence. Even misdemeanor convictions can lead to heavy fines, jail time, and significant consequences on your future, making it essential to meet with a Conroe defense attorney when facing any type of accusation as a student.
The penalties for any criminal conviction vary based on the underlying charge, though they typically include fines and jail time. Unlike adults, students can also face adverse consequences at their school. A conviction could mean suspension, expulsion, or a loss of financial aid. It might also hurt a student’s opportunities for employment or admission to graduate and professional degree programs – thus it can impact the ability to pursue the career of their dreams. As a result, students in these circumstances should be proactive and talk to a Conroe defense attorney who could review the accusation and help mitigate the charges.
When a student has previous convictions on their criminal record, a lawyer could work to seal or expunge the record to limit its impact on future opportunities. Texas law does not automatically remove or seal criminal records, even after a case has been dismissed, meaning records of an arrest or criminal charge remain on file. This could create difficulties for students seeking opportunities that involve background checks, such as applying to graduate school or a job after college. Given how much is at stake for college students facing criminal accusations, you should rely on a determined lawyer when building a strong defense to current charges or working to minimize the impact of a previous conviction.
It is entirely natural for young people to make mistakes, and part of being a student is to turn mistakes into learning opportunities Unfortunately, when a student’s error leads to a criminal charge and/or disciplinary action from their school, their entire future could be at risk. No one should face a lifetime of adverse consequences over a minor lapse in judgment in college. If you are charged with a crime or violation of your college’s code of conduct, meet with a Conroe student defense lawyer about your legal options.
When you hire an experienced attorney like Raphael Ortega, they could work to mitigate any potential impact on your future while protecting your reputation. For a free and confidential consultation, give us a call now.
Copyright @ Raphael Ortega Law PLLC, 2023| All rights reserved.