As a criminal defense attorney in North Charleston, South Carolina, I have dealt with college students and potential college students who were facing criminal charges in South Carolina. A criminal charge can prevent you from college acceptance and your ability to get financial aid for your educational expenses. Additionally, a criminal charge might also prevent you from being able to live on campus. Even if you are already in college, your ability to continue could be hampered by the consequences of any criminal charges you are currently facing, depending on the outcome of your case and the type of crime of which you are accused of and potentially convicted.
In this article, I will explain how a criminal record can affect your plans for college in South Carolina, what to do as a student facing criminal charges and the steps to take if you are charged with a criminal offense.
Which Criminal Charges Could Impair Your Educational Goals in South Carolina?
There are many different criminal charges that college students can face, just like anyone else, and many of these happen on the campus. Every year there nearly 80,000 reported student crimes in the US. Close to 40% of those are related to property damage or violence, while the rest are mostly associated with alcohol and drug offenses. With some crimes, the students face disciplinary action from the school.
Besides drug and alcohol-related crimes, there are also the crimes of burglary, robbery, arson, physical and sexual assault, homicide, weapons charges, and motor vehicle theft. If you are a student facing any kind of criminal charges, seek the representation of a South Carolina criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and minimize the damage that such charges can have on your educational goals.
With some crimes, the students face disciplinary action from the school. Besides drug and alcohol-related crimes such as public intoxication, underage drinking, or drug possession, there are also the crimes of burglary, robbery, arson, physical and sexual assault, homicide, weapons charges, and motor vehicle theft. If you are a student facing any kind of criminal charges, you would be wise to seek the representation of a South Carolina criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and minimize the damage that such charges can have on your educational goals.
What To Do If You Are a Student Facing Criminal Charges in South Carolina?
Because the consequences of being convicted of a crime as a student in South Carolina are so severe, you should contact a South Carolina criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. You should not plead guilty or make a statement until after you have consulted with a lawyer. Within 24 hours of your arrest, you will have a bond hearing, and you should have an attorney by your side.
You should be commended for wanting to expand your knowledge base by attending a college or university. However, a criminal charge could derail your educational plans and could lead to imprisonment. If you are a student facing criminal charges, contact the Deaton Law Firm.
