Defending Against Criminal Charges as a College Student

 Posted on June 10, 2022 in Criminal Defense

The most important thing to focus on during your college education is ensuring excellent grades and taking the time to learn about a future career. Unfortunately, college can also lead to trouble as students experiment, party, and explore newfound freedom. Spending countless hours in the library and studying with friends can quickly feel like a waste if a college student finds themselves with a criminal charge during college. Although criminal records are serious, there are various ways to navigate the future with the help of a skilled attorney

Common Charges for College Students

If you are a college student that has been charged with a criminal offense, you may feel isolated, embarrassed, or alone. However, it is not uncommon for young adults to find legal trouble during college.

Typical charges on college campuses include:

• DUI arrests — If a student is caught driving a motorized vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08 in Tennessee, they may be charged with a DUI.

• Sexual assault or battery charges — In 2019, the Association of American Universities Campus Climate Survey found that 1 in 4 females on college campuses reported nonconsensual sexual contact on campus. It is not uncommon for people to face a sex crime charge while in college or university.

• Underage drinking — Due to the lifestyle colleges often introduce to teenagers and young adults, many students engage in underage drinking before turning 21. If caught, these students will be charged with underage drinking, a misdemeanor that can lead to fines, jail time, and points on a driver’s license.

• Drug possession charges — Similar to underage drinking, students are often introduced to illegal substances on college campuses, at parties, or nightclubs during their education. Possession of half of an ounce of marijuana in Tennessee is a misdemeanor possession charge that may lead to up to one year in jail or $2,500 in fines.

Defending Against Criminal Charges as a Student 

Our skilled criminal defense attorney has vast experience representing students faced with criminal charges. If you are a college student facing a charge, it is vital to seek legal representation to help protect your future. A lawyer may be able to prove that an officer had no reason of suspicion to pull you over and breathalyze you, which can help defend against a DUI. Students can defend against drug possession charges by claiming an officer had no right to search their property and obtain illicit materials. Depending on the type of charge, your criminal background, and the circumstances surrounding your case, there are various ways to help defend against an offense and ensure a bright future after college.

Contact a Skilled Knoxville, Tennessee, Defense Attorney Now 

At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we understand the importance of helping you defend against criminal charges, especially as a young adult in college. Our skilled Knoxville criminal defense attorney Jefferey Coller has experience advocating for college students facing criminal charges. Please reach out to our office for a free consultation by calling 865-281-1000 today

Sources:

https://norml.org/laws/tennessee-penalties-2

https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/112/pub/pc0430.pdf 

https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/sexual-assault-on-campus