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Business LitigationHow a Criminal Charge Can Affect Your College Career and Future
You’re in college, you’re working hard, and you have your eyes on the prize. In the process, however, it’s only natural to let off a bit of steam now and then. If things go a little too far and you find yourself facing a criminal charge, you may be surprised by how significant the negative consequences of a conviction can be. The fact is that your college career – and everything you’ve worked so hard for – could be in jeopardy. If this is the difficult position you find yourself in, it’s time to consult with a dedicated Conway, South Carolina, criminal defense attorney who has considerable experience successfully advocating for the legal rights of college students like you.
Common Charges
You’re away from home for the first time, have a newfound taste of freedom, and are young and perhaps a bit impulsive. Consequently, you may have made a few bad choices. The kinds of misdemeanor charges that college students are most likely to face include all the following:
- Underage drinking
- Public intoxication
- Marijuana possession
- Disorderly conduct
- Shoplifting
While none of these charges are earth-shattering, they do come with serious legal consequences that could derail the trajectory of your college plans.
The Impact of a Conviction
A misdemeanor conviction can pack a considerable punch for you as a college student.
Legal Fines and Penalties
A misdemeanor conviction carries fines and community service and, depending on the charge, can mean jail time. And this is not to mention the consequences you could face in relation to your college career.
At the College Level
If you’re convicted of a misdemeanor, the college or university you attend can impose disciplinary actions that include academic probation or suspension, which could mean pushing out your graduation date. Your school could also implement restrictions regarding your right to live on campus, which can take a serious toll on your day-to-day life.
Your Financial Aid
If you’re paying for school through financial aid, have scholarships, or rely on a combination of the two, you could find yourself in serious financial trouble. Your eligibility for federal student loans will take a serious hit, and you could lose your scholarships. The cost of higher education is already immense, and when you pile on legal fines and negative consequences, it can become overwhelming.
Your Social Standing
Having a criminal record will tarnish your social standing, which can affect your relationships, your ability to network, and your opportunities for advancement.
An Experienced Conway, SC, Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
The compassionate criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Morgan Martin, P.A., in Conway, South Carolina, understand how destructive a misdemeanor charge can be for college students and will leave no stone unturned in their focused efforts to help turn things around for you legally. Your future is too important to leave to chance, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call 843-248-3177 for more information today.