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. Charges involving drug crimes or theft can also put a student’s education and career plans at risk.

If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Miami, seek a defense attorney who has experience representing students and understands how a criminal case can affect their education and career plans.

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;
  • 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.

An arrest or conviction does not automatically make a student ineligible for federal student aid. Certain court orders and incarceration can affect eligibility, while state aid and scholarship programs have their own rules.

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.

A drug possession case can raise concerns about school discipline and future professional licensing. A drug conviction no longer automatically makes a student ineligible for federal student aid. We review the criminal case alongside the school’s rules and the student’s career plans.

For students facing their first arrest, our first-time offender defense page explains options that may be available, depending on the charge and the student’s record.

Criminal Histories and Applications

Schools differ in what they ask about criminal charges, convictions, and school discipline. Students should review each school’s current application and any separate requirements for their intended program. A criminal case does not automatically rule out admission, but it may require an explanation or further review.

Before answering a question about your record, get advice about what the question requires you to disclose. We can also assess whether you qualify for record sealing or expungement and explain how that relief affects your disclosure duties.

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.

Browse our criminal defense case results for examples of cases we have handled and the outcomes obtained. 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.

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