What to Do If You Are Facing Criminal Charges as a College Student

 Posted on June 19, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Pursuing higher education can be an exciting time for many young adults. However, sometimes being faced with legal troubles may put a halt to that journey. If you are a college student who has recently been arrested for a crime, you may be unsure of your next steps. During this challenging time, it is essential to understand what to do and whom you can turn to for help. In such situations, hiring a criminal defense attorney is essential to ensure you have proper legal guidance and representation in court if needed. 

How an Attorney Can Help a College Student After an Arrest

Firstly, it is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. Just because you have been charged does not mean you will be convicted. Contacting and hiring the services of a criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your legal rights as they relate to your legal situation. And remember, the role of your attorney will also be to provide legal counsel related to your charges and help you navigate the legal system with your best interests in mind.

When you sit down with your attorney, they will explain the charges you are facing, assess the available evidence and the strength of the prosecution’s case against you, and work with you to develop the best defense for your situation. Depending on the circumstances, they may argue for reducing charges, dismissing charges, or negotiating a plea deal that could lessen your sentence. A seasoned criminal defense lawyer can provide non-bias guidance and insight that could be difficult to find otherwise.

During this time, as a student, you should avoid speaking about the charges with anyone, particularly on social media. Information published online can be used against you in court, so it is important not to discuss anything in detail with those other than your criminal defense attorney.

Furthermore, once an attorney has been retained, they will take over communications related to the case with their client. That said, the attorney can communicate with the prosecutor, the judge, and the police on behalf of their client. This way, the criminal defense attorney ensures that the client’s best interests are always taken care of and that no strategic mistakes occur during the legal process.

Contact a Knox County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Remember that your attorney will be your greatest ally as you approach this situation. Contact the Knoxville, TN criminal defense attorney with Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney for esteemed legal counsel. Call 865-281-1000 for a free consultation. 

Source:

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/know-your-rights-if-you-get-arrested