A criminal accusation against a college or university student in Florida threatens to have far-reaching implications, affecting not only their current studies but also their parents and shaping the prospects for a successful future. Even if exonerated of the charges, the experience of defending against a criminal charge at such a vulnerable age when trying to build a future can create psychological challenges that may affect the student throughout their life.
At Stechschulte Nell, Attorneys at Law in Tampa, we understand the extraordinary challenges a young college or university student faces when trying to balance their educational progress with the time-consuming and emotionally draining process of facing an allegation of serious misconduct. We are committed to providing the most effective legal representation possible to students charged with crimes and any student facing institutional disciplinary proceedings at their college or university.
If you or your son or daughter is accused of serious student misconduct or any criminal offense, contact our office in Tampa immediately. We are ready and able to provide the legal defense needed.
Criminal Charges on a College or University Campus
While the statistics relating to crime on American college campuses show a marked decrease over the past decade, there were still more than 31,000 crimes reported on college and university facilities in 2021. The most commonly reported crimes were burglaries, rapes, and motor vehicle thefts. But assaults, weapons charges, and drug offenses were also represented in significant numbers, along with underage alcohol-related offenses.
The Disruption of a Student’s Life by a Criminal Charge
The legal process usually demands substantial time and energy, requiring students to attend court hearings, meet with attorneys, and participate in investigations. As a result, students often struggle to keep up with coursework, miss deadlines, earn lower grades, or even find it impossible to stay in school.
The distraction caused by a criminal charge hanging over them is another barrier to a college student’s continued success. Even when able to attend all classes and seminars and have plenty of study time, most young students cannot put what they see as impending disaster out of their minds long enough to work up to their potential.
Financial Concerns
Financially, students live with the knowledge that their parents bear the burden of legal fees, which can quickly escalate depending on the complexity of the case. If the student is ultimately found guilty, parents may also need to cover fines, restitution, or other penalties imposed by the court.
Beyond the potential costs of a quality legal defense, a conviction can jeopardize the student’s eligibility for scholarships, grants, or loans, forcing parents to shoulder additional costs related to tuition and living expenses, or even forcing a student to withdraw from the school.
College and University Student Disciplinary Proceedings
If the alleged crime occurred on campus or involves another student, schools often conduct campus disciplinary proceedings with a possible outcome of suspension pending the outcome of the case or even expulsion from the student body.
These proceedings do not carry the same constitutional protections as the student would enjoy in the criminal court system. Instead, only basic due process rights are guaranteed to the student which includes formal notification of the alleged violation of the student disciplinary code and an opportunity to be heard.
The disciplinary hearing procedure also provides only a bare minimum of protection to students.
Perhaps the most important right the student will exercise in such a disciplinary process is their right to the presence and assistance of an “advisor” who may be a defense attorney. However, the process prohibits the attorney from participating in the hearing. The lawyer is limited to advising the student how to proceed, how to demand the presence of witnesses, how to present evidence, and how to assert and record their legal challenges to the composition of the board, the way the hearing is conducted, or the criteria used to reach its recommendation.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer familiar with college and university disciplinary procedures can often find contractual obligations within the student handbook obliging the institution to extend more procedural protections than would otherwise be constitutionally required. The presence of additional terms that may bind the university will vary from one university to another and from private colleges to public institutions.
Future Prospects and Reputation
A criminal allegation can tarnish a student’s reputation, potentially casting a shadow over their entire career trajectory. Employers increasingly conduct background checks during the hiring process, and a criminal record can make it difficult for graduates to secure internships or entry-level positions. Even if the charges were dropped or resulted in a not-guilty verdict, the mere existence of an arrest or indictment can raise red flags for prospective employers, limiting job opportunities and earning potential.
There is also the reality that certain professions require state licensure or professional certification, which may be denied to applicants with criminal histories. Students pursuing careers in education, healthcare, law enforcement, or finance, among others, could find themselves barred from practicing due to past mistakes. Graduate programs and prestigious institutions also maintain rigorous admission standards, including clean criminal records, effectively closing doors for those saddled with blemishes on their backgrounds.
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The Importance of Getting a Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer
A criminal accusation can take a heavy toll on a student’s mental health and personal relationships. The stress of navigating the legal system, coupled with potential stigma from peers, family members, and community members, can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Given the many ways a criminal accusation can derail a student’s life, it is crucial for accused individuals to seek experienced legal representation immediately.
An aggressive defense strategy can help prevent or minimize negative fallout, preserve accused student’s rights, and help to safeguard their futures. By working closely with skilled attorneys, students and their families survive complex legal challenges, obtain fair treatment under the law, and position themselves for success in the courtroom and in their education.
If you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Orlando, Tampa, or Miami, contact us at Stechschulte Nell, Attorneys at Law, at 813-280-1244.
