College Station Student Defense Lawyer

A simple mistake that breaks the law or violates the school conduct code can derail a student’s academic career. A permanent criminal record can also limit their job opportunities after graduation.

If you are a student facing criminal charges or a school disciplinary hearing, speak with a College Station student defense lawyer today. Hiring a diligent criminal defense attorney could give you the best chance for success when facing a legal proceeding.

The Prevalence of Alcohol-Related Charges for Students

The campus atmosphere can lead to students facing certain types of criminal charges more frequently. For example, many students are under the age of 21, and underage consumption of alcohol can lead to criminal charges. Some alcohol-related offenses that students are commonly charged with include the following:

• Underage purchase of alcohol, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 106.02
• Underage consumption of alcohol, Alco. Bev. Code § 106.04
• Public intoxication that endangers other people, Texas Penal Code Annotated § 49.02
• Disorderly conduct, Penal Code Ann. § 42.01
• Attempting to purchase alcohol while underage, Alco. Bev. Code § 106.025
• Driving or operating a watercraft while intoxicated, Alco. Bev. Code § 106.041

Alcohol offenses by a minor are generally considered a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. However, an individual who is 17 years of age or older and accused of driving while intoxicated could be subject to harsher penalties if they were previously convicted of an alcohol-related offense. This could include a fine from $500 to $2,000 and imprisonment for up to 180 days.

Criminal Charges That Lead to Harsh Penalties

Aside from alcohol-related offenses, students on campus can often face criminal charges involving:

• Assault, particularly in situations involving a fight or physical altercation
• Sexual crimes, such as sexual assault
• Burglary or theft
• Domestic violence
• Resisting arrest or assaulting a police officer

Many of these crimes can lead to felony charges if convicted, which can impose harsh consequences, including extensive jail time and criminal fines. Under state law, felonies are divided into four categories.

• Penal Code Ann. § 12.35: State jail felony convictions can lead to 180 days to 2 years confinement in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Penal Code Ann. § 12.34: Third-degree felony convictions can lead to two to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Penal Code Ann. § 12.33: Second-degree felony convictions can result in two to 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.
• Penal Code Ann. § 12.32: First-degree felony convictions can lead to penalties of five to 99 years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine.

A felony conviction can have a long-lasting damaging impact on a student’s life and future career prospects. While you could represent yourself during conduct proceedings in College Station, obtaining a knowledgeable student defense lawyer could improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Student Disciplinary Hearings and Title IX Investigations

If accused of criminal conduct, a student could also face a disciplinary hearing from their college or university.

Many school disciplinary hearings involve Title IX investigations, which prohibit discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities at educational institutions that receive federal funding. The statute requires that schools promptly respond to allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

When the charges involve misconduct that is also considered criminal behavior, schools in College Station typically allow you to obtain a student defense lawyer to act as your advisor at the conduct hearing. Student conduct hearings can lead to a range of disciplinary actions, such as:

• Community service
• Ineligibility to participate in athletics or school-sponsored organizations
• Scholarship withdrawal or ineligibility
• Losing campus housing privileges
• Paying restitution
• Suspension
• Expulsion

These disciplinary actions can leave a permanent stain on your record. Obtaining legal counsel when facing criminal charges is crucial to giving you the best chance for success in the courtroom.

Talk to a College Station Attorney About Student Defense Today

Whether you face criminal charges from the state or a college disciplinary proceeding, obtaining a College Station student defense lawyer could significantly increase the likelihood of success at a trial or hearing.

Mistakes due to a momentary lapse in judgment can have severe consequences for students. A professional attorney could help ensure that these errors do not permanently prohibit your ability to succeed in life. Call today to schedule your initial consultation with The Greening Law Group.