When teenagers and young adults make mistakes, their parents might be tempted to dismiss them as simple rites of passage and signs that kids will be kids. Unfortunately, the South Carolina criminal justice system does not take that same approach. Any criminal conviction can adversely affect your child’s life.
If your child faces criminal or school disciplinary charges, it is critical that they reach out to a Greenville student defense lawyer. With the right legal representation, you could protect your child’s future.
Common Types of Student Offenses
Young adulthood is a time when students frequently test their boundaries. Living in a dorm or driving a car by themselves gives students their first taste of freedom. Young adults might be tempted to rebel against authority. They might make the wrong friends, which could lead them to make some poor decisions. In some cases, alcohol or drugs interfere with their ability to think or act clearly. Other times, peer pressure or ritual hazing as part of an initiation rite causes them to do things that they should not do.
Frequently, young adults face criminal charges for the following:
- Underage drinking and using a fake ID
- Possession or distribution of illegal drugs
- Driving under the Influence
- Speeding and parking violations
- Assault and battery
- Sexual crimes
- Shoplifting and other theft crimes
- Public Disorderly Conduct
- Resisting Arrest
Criminal convictions can derail a young person’s future before their life has really even started. Convicted offenders face jail time, school expulsions, and fines. It can also be considerably more challenging to gain acceptance into a college, get a job, obtain housing, or even get a loan with a criminal record. That is why it is important to work with an experienced Greenville student defense attorney who would work tirelessly to lessen the negative consequences and obtain the best possible outcomes for a student.
Disciplinary Hearings
In addition to facing criminal charges, students can also face school disciplinary hearings for the same criminal offenses, as well as for non-criminal offenses, such as hazing, cheating, plagiarism, or violations of other school policies. While a Greenville defense attorney generally cannot accompany a student to these disciplinary hearings, they could provide valuable guidance and help them avoid expulsion or suspension.
Title IX Cases Involving Students in Greenville
Student defense cases commonly involve Title IX violations. Title IX is a federal law that addresses sexual discrimination and prohibits mistreatment based on gender or sexual orientation. A student could face Title IX accusations for criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, and more.
When fighting against Title IX allegations, it is important to work with a student defense attorney who understands the intricacies of this legislation. A knowledgeable lawyer could investigate the charges against a student and work to minimize the negative effects on the student’s freedom and educational goals.
Contact a Greenville Student Defense Attorney Today
Students of all ages require competent and dedicated legal assistance when facing criminal allegations. If your child faces criminal or school disciplinary charges, they cannot afford to delay or waste time. They need to work with a Greenville student defense lawyer who could work tirelessly to protect your child’s future.
Your child’s freedom, education, and ability to get a good job in the future depend on the quality of legal representation that they receive today. Do not let a youthful indiscretion ruin the rest of your child’s life. Schedule your free consultation today to learn more about your options.
