Greenville Student Defense Lawyer

Just like every state establishes its own set of criminal laws, every college and university in the United States has a unique code of conduct that enrolled students must adhere to. In many situations, criminal offenses also constitute a violation of student conduct codes—which means that if you or your child are a student who was recently arrested, you may have to deal with both criminal proceedings and school disciplinary investigations in the near future.

Fortunately, a Greenville student defense lawyer could help you in both contexts, fighting for your rights in court while also offering guidance about how to manage school conduct hearings. A conviction in someone’s college years could have repercussions for the rest of their life, so it is always a good idea to retain a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible if you are arrested while pursuing higher education.

Common Offenses That Greenville Students Deal With

Many college students use their newfound freedom to take risks and make mistakes that they would not have been able to at home. Accordingly, some of the most common criminal charges that college students in Greenville find themselves facing relate to underage possession or consumption of alcohol, or possession of a fake ID for the purpose of illicitly purchasing alcohol.

Other criminal offenses that may also lead to consequences with a university conduct board or council include:

• Simple possession of marijuana
• Unlawful possession of prescription medications like Adderall that are classified as controlled substances
• Buying alcohol for someone underage
• Disorderly conduct and/or public intoxication
• Possession of drug or alcohol-related paraphernalia, including open containers in motor vehicles
• Criminal sexual conduct—in other words, sexual assault

A Greenville student defense attorney could advise and counsel both a student charged with a criminal offense and their parents about what their legal options are and what the best course of action is for their situation.

Differences Between Criminal Trials and Conduct Hearings

While disciplinary hearings for school code of conduct violations bear some resemblance to criminal trials, it is crucial to understand that these two proceedings are not identical. Students accused of conduct violations by their college or university do not have all the same constitutional rights that they would have in a criminal trial, and the standard of proof necessary for a guilty finding is much less severe than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard applied to criminal cases.

In some situations, a student may face disciplinary measures at school even if they are acquitted or have their charges dropped in criminal court, and while those measures cannot include fines or jail time, suspension or expulsion from school could have just as dramatic an impact on a student’s future prospects. Legal counsel generally cannot accompany students into these hearings, but a student defense lawyer in Greenville could still be an essential resource when preparing for such a hearing ahead of time.

A Greenville Student Defense Attorney May Be Able to Help

It can be nearly impossible to keep up with schoolwork while also worrying about school disciplinary proceedings, criminal charges, or both at the same time. By retaining qualified legal representation, you or your child can focus on keeping your lives on track as much as possible while your attorney works to pursue the best outcomes possible on your behalf.

A Greenville student defense lawyer could answer your questions about your legal options during a private consultation. Get in touch today to schedule yours.