Students, whether in graduate school, college, or high school, have unique concerns when facing criminal prosecution or investigation.  While avoiding a conviction and jail are the most immediate concerns, an arrest or criminal case—even for something as minor as shoplifting—can have other adverse effects on a student and his or her future.  Other offenses, such as drug and theft crimes, can have severe consequences. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Miami, you must be represented by a criminal attorney who has experience representing students and understands the possible consequences of a criminal case.

Possible Consequences of a Conviction

An arrest or criminal conviction can:

  • affect the eligibility for current or future student housing;
  • trigger disciplinary proceedings that can result in a suspension or expulsion;
  • jeopardize present or future scholarships;
  • make one ineligible for state and federal student loans;
  • disqualify consideration for certain internships or work/study programs;
  • delay or hinder the application process for other schools;
  • disqualify one from various fields of study or work;
  • jeopardize future licensing in industry-specific fields;
  • and create an obstacle to future employment.

It is extremely important, whether you are a student or the parent of a student, to take immediate steps to protect your future or your child’s future.

Detail Oriented Representation

Unfortunately, many criminal attorneys fail to take a holistic view of their clients and the unique concerns they present. Instead, they focus on the disposition of the case to the exclusion of all else, without considering how that disposition could negatively affect the client down the road.  A disposition that would be perfectly acceptable for some clients could have serious ramifications for a student. For example, a simple drug possession case can have serious consequences. The Department of Education routinely runs the names of student aid applicants against a “Drug Abuse Hold List” provided by the U.S. Department of Justice.  A match can sometimes not only make a student ineligible for financial aid but can also result in the student’s liability to return any financial aid received during a period of ineligibility.

Criminal Histories and Applications

Over the years, undergraduate and graduate schools have increased their focus on applicants’ criminal history by including specific questions in their admissions applications and conducting criminal background checks as part of the application process. The schools then reject applicants based on either the answers the student provides in the application or the background check.  Due to campus safety concerns stoked by a few high-profile crimes, the admissions policies of many schools have gone so far as to require applicants not only to disclose criminal records but also their school disciplinary history. The Common Application, which approximately 500 colleges and universities currently use, includes questions about the student’s criminal history and disciplinary records. Needless to say, in this environment, the wrong outcome in a criminal case can effectively put an end to a young person’s academic and career goals.

Contact an Experienced Defense Attorney

Although students can occasionally face criminal charges in federal court, the more common scenario is a violation of state law. Over the years, we have represented hundreds of graduate, college, and high school students in a wide range of cases. There is a good chance we have a working knowledge of both your type of case and your specific student-related needs and concerns. Feel free to browse the results section of our site for a representative sample of our past cases and the results we have achieved for our clients. By taking the immediate action of hiring an attorney to defend you or your child, you are minimizing the chances of suffering the potential long-lasting consequences that accompany having a criminal record.

CALL US NOW for a CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION at (305) 538-4545, or take a moment to fill out our confidential and secure intake form.* The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry.

*Due to the large number of people who contact us requesting our assistance, it is strongly suggested that you take the time to provide us with specific details regarding your case by filling out our confidential and secure intake form. The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry in a timely and appropriate manner.

ALWAYS INVESTIGATE A LAWYER’S QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE BEFORE MAKING A DECISION ON HIRING A LAWYER