Irmo Student Defense Lawyer

When a high school or college student is faced with a criminal charge or an academic violation that endangers their future, they may be shocked to find the school they trusted has turned against them. College is often a time for academic enrichment and self-exploration, but a variety of issues can arise when a college student is charged with a crime or violation.

If you are the parent of a college student who is facing such charges, you may want to retain the services of an Irmo student defense lawyer. If your child is convicted or found in violation of the academic code, they could lose their education, future, and depending on the charge they are facing, their freedom.

With the help of a trained defense attorney, students may be able to get the charges they are facing reduced or dropped entirely.

Conduct Code Violations

When a student enrolls in a school, they are expected to follow the code of conduct put forth by the institution. The code outlines the behavior expected of students, as well as the consequences for any violations. Some of the most common conduct code violations include:

  • Noise violations
  • Property destruction
  • Theft
  • Alcohol or drug possession
  • Trespassing
  • Possession of Marijuana
  • Possession of Fake ID
  • Public Disorderly Conduct
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Minor in possession of alcohol
  • Open Container
  • DUI

In addition to a conduct code, most colleges and universities in the United States have an academic code forbidding cheating and other dishonest acts. If a student violates either code, often, they are expelled for their actions. Expulsion can have a lasting impact on the life, career, and academic achievement of a person. Often, if a student is expelled, they are unable to enroll in another institution or academic program.

The majority of schools give students the opportunity to defend themselves against accusations of code violations during a hearing. As with a court hearing, a university hearing is usually held before a board of officials. Students and their Irmo student defense lawyer may call witnesses, present evidence, and question any proof used against them. An experienced attorney can help students prepare for their hearing and provide them with the legal guidance they need at the time.

Criminal Offenses

If a student is charged with a criminal offense, more than their education may be at risk. If convicted of a criminal offense, students may face jail time, fines, probation, and community service in addition to expulsion from school. Some of the most common charges faced by students involve:

All of the charges above can have a profound effect on the life of a student. When a student is charged with a criminal offense, law enforcement agents are responsible for providing the prosecution with any witness testimony or evidence they collected. The evidence and testimony presented will be used to build a case against the defendant.

Fortunately, with the right legal help, students, especially those with no prior criminal record, may be able to get their charges dismissed or reduced.

Speak with an Irmo Student Defense Attorney Today

If you are a student or parent of a student facing one of the previously listed charges, you may be feeling hopeless and confused. Often, academic and conduct codes are vague and difficult to understand, and if you are facing a criminal offense, South Carolina laws can be even more difficult to comprehend.

Talk to an Irmo student defense lawyer now to schedule a legal consultation.