Dunwoody Student Defense Lawyer
A simple mistake or misunderstanding in college can easily balloon into serious criminal allegations. The consequences of being found guilty of a crime while in college have the potential to affect the rest of a person’s college career and beyond. At Hawkins Spizman, our team of dedicated Dunwoody student defense lawyers will be by your side throughout the legal process to provide top-tier advice and a skilled defense to any claims of misconduct. To learn more about how our firm can help, call or contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Common Charges Faced by College Students
College students can be charged with all kinds of criminal offenses while at school, but some types of alleged crimes occur more often than others. At Hawkins Spizman we frequently handle the following cases for our student clients:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol of drugs
- Underage Drinking (on and off campus)
- Underage Possession of Alcohol
- Public Drunkeness
- Drug possession
- Theft/shoplifting
- Sexual misconduct, and
- Assault and battery
The penalties for conviction of one of these offenses is often more serious than most students realize. The majority of these offenses are misdemeanor crimes, and being found guilty can result in community service hours, thousands of dollars in fines, up to one year in jail, and probation with significant conditions. For felony offenses, a student could go to prison and face severe penalties for the crime. In addition, a student may face misconduct charges at their institution that could result in suspension or expulsion from their college or university, further destroying their future.
How a Defense Lawyer Can Help Students
Facing the legal process in addition to the responsibilities of school can feel overwhelming, which is why hiring a defense attorney is in a student’s best interest after an incident. A lawyer understands the legal process and often has relationships with the prosecutor and judge. An attorney may be able to work out a deal to mitigate or even dismiss the charges against a student depending on the circumstances of the case. If the case does go to trial, a lawyer is the best person to make arguments on a student’s behalf, submit evidence to the court, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for the rights of the accused.
Many colleges and universities also allow legal counsel to be present during student misconduct hearings that may come about because of criminal accusations. A lawyer can answer any questions about the misconduct process and guide a student through the hearing. To learn more about how an attorney can assist with student defense, talk to our office now.
Call or Contact Hawkins Spizman
A college student should not have to pay for a simple mistake for the rest of their life, and hiring a Georgia student defense attorney may be your best chance at avoid serious consequences both legally and academically. If you or someone you know at school has been accused of committing criminal acts, call the office or contact us at Hawkins Spizman in Dunwoody today to schedule a free consultation.
