Charged with a Crime as a College Student? Get Help Now
College can be an exciting time filled with new freedoms and responsibilities, but it’s also a period where young adults might make mistakes that lead to legal consequences. Any criminal charge can carry implications beyond the legal system, affecting a student’s academic career and future opportunities.
If you or your child are facing charges or disciplinary action, contact Hessler Law today or call (317) 886-8800 for a free consultation.
Common Offenses and Potential Consequences for Indiana College Students
College students may face various charges impacting their academic standing, reputation, and career prospects.
Penalties vary widely but can include fines, community service, probation, and even jail time, depending on the nature of the offense. Additionally, students may face disciplinary actions from their college’s disciplinary board or council, potentially leading to suspension or expulsion.
Common offenses among students include:
Drug Charges
Possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, or other controlled substances is common on college campuses. Convictions can lead to fines, mandatory rehabilitation programs, or even jail time, as well as academic consequences. Working with an Indianapolis drug defense lawyer can ensure you don’t face steep consequences.
Possession of a Fake ID
Possessing or using a fake ID is a common charge among college students, often associated with attempts to buy alcohol or gain entry to age-restricted events. Carrying a forged identification could result in forgery charges in Indiana.
Assault and Battery
Physical altercations, especially during events or social gatherings, can lead to assault or battery charges, which carry severe penalties, including potential suspension or expulsion.
Vandalism and Theft
Incidents of vandalism, shoplifting, or petty theft are often taken seriously by campus authorities and can result in both criminal and disciplinary actions.
Academic Misconduct
Although not a criminal offense, plagiarism and cheating accusations are serious and can impact academic records and future career opportunities.
Penalties vary widely but can include fines, community service, probation, and even jail time, depending on the nature of the offense. Additionally, students may face disciplinary actions from their college’s disciplinary board or council, potentially leading to suspension or expulsion.
What Are Campus Disciplinary Boards, and How Do They Work?
When a student is accused of breaking school policies or engaging in illegal behavior, colleges often have their own disciplinary procedures to address these issues. These boards, often called disciplinary councils, investigate incidents and hold hearings to determine appropriate sanctions.
Consequences from these boards can include suspension, expulsion, or the loss of scholarships and campus housing. In many cases, the disciplinary process runs separately from the criminal justice system, meaning a student may face both legal penalties and campus disciplinary actions.
Why To Work With a Defense Attorney to Defend Your Rights
For students, facing legal charges or disciplinary action can be overwhelming. An attorney can offer essential guidance through both the legal and academic disciplinary processes. They can negotiate with prosecutors, advise on plea deals, and prepare students for hearings before campus disciplinary boards.
An experienced attorney can also help students avoid missteps in these situations. Without legal representation, students may inadvertently admit guilt or accept penalties that could have been minimized or avoided. Your attorney can provide critical support in explaining legal options, gathering evidence, preparing defense strategies, and, when needed, pursuing alternatives to incarceration or other severe penalties.
FAQs about Criminal Charges for College Students
What should parents do if their college student is arrested or charged?
The first step is to remain calm and contact a qualified attorney experienced in defending college students. Legal representation ensures that your child’s rights are protected and that they understand the best steps forward. An attorney can often communicate with law enforcement and the school on your child’s behalf, helping reduce stress for the student and the family.
Can my child be expelled for a criminal offense that happened off-campus?
Yes, some colleges and universities have codes of conduct that apply to off-campus behavior. If the incident violates school policy or is deemed damaging to the institution’s reputation, students may face disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion, even for off-campus activities.
An attorney can help navigate these circumstances and represent the student in disciplinary proceedings.
Can academic misconduct charges lead to criminal charges?
Academic misconduct, like plagiarism or cheating, typically does not lead to criminal charges, as it is handled internally by the school. However, academic misconduct can still have severe consequences, including suspension or expulsion. In rare cases where academic misconduct involves fraud or forgery, it could be referred to law enforcement.
How can an attorney help during a campus disciplinary hearing?
Although attorneys may not be allowed to speak directly in all campus disciplinary hearings, they can prepare the student by reviewing evidence, advising on statements, and helping gather witnesses. Legal representation ensures that the best case is presented to protect the student’s academic standing.
Are there alternative penalties for students facing criminal charges?
Indiana offers several alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs, which may help students avoid jail time or permanent records. These programs often include community service, counseling, or probation. An attorney can help determine eligibility for these programs and work to secure the best possible outcome.
Will a criminal conviction affect my child’s career prospects?
Yes, a criminal conviction can have lasting impacts on career opportunities, especially for certain professions that require licensing or security clearances.
An attorney can help negotiate reduced charges, pursue alternative penalties, or seek expungement after a conviction to help protect a student’s future career.
Facing Charges as a College Student in Indiana? Hessler Law Can Help
One mistake shouldn’t define your future. With the criminal defense attorneys of Hessler Law, students and their families can better understand the options available, navigate the legal and disciplinary systems, and work toward outcomes that minimize the impact of an arrest or charge. From criminal defense to campus disciplinary support, our attorneys will protect your rights and fight to clear your name.
Call (317) 886-8800 or contact us today to schedule a free consultation.