Student Crimes in Atlanta & Georgia
A significant number of students find themselves in trouble with the law when they are on a college campus. A momentary lapse in judgment during this pivotal time can lead to serious consequences, such as a permanent criminal record that can detrimentally affect your future professional and academic opportunities.
A Georgia student defense attorney will have handled a variety of student cases before. They understand you are probably scared and unsure of what to do next and they will provide candid and comprehensive assistance so you can get your life back on track. Further, an experienced defense lawyer can represent you in both criminal and disciplinary proceedings and will help you ensure you have the best possible defenses to protect your future.
Typical ChargesSome of the typical offenses that students are charged with that warrant the attention of a student defense lawyer in Georgia include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Underage drinking
- Drug possession
- Theft/Shoplifting
- Sexual misconduct
- Assault and battery
The police often scrutinize college campuses and surrounding locations closely, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights when parties and sporting events are going on.
Anyone can find themselves in legal trouble if their judgment is impaired by alcohol or marijuana. For younger people who are living on their own and making their own decisions for the first time, there is a greater possibility of making a mistake without understanding the consequences. The potential consequences of charges, including the possibility of having to register as a sex offender if charged with sexual misconduct, could change a person’s life entirely.
PenaltiesGeorgia has made an effort in recent years to crack down on driving under the influence of alcohol. For a driver aged 16 to 20, the penalties for a first offense are a license suspension for six months if the driver’s blood alcohol content is under 0.08%, or 12 months if it was 0.08% or higher.
Any suspension of a driver’s license can have a big impact on one’s life, such as being able to drive back and forth to school or work.
Permanent RecordAny serious criminal offenses on a young person’s permanent record can be a significant detriment in the search for a job. Prospective employers often will conduct a check as to whether applicants have had any run-ins with the law.
It is important to keep in mind that all Americans have the presumption of innocence in a federal or state court. The government must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and a student defense attorney in Georgia will still be essential in building a defense for their case.
Consulting With an AttorneyA dedicated Georgia student defense attorney will listen to their client without judgment and offer the full benefits of their expertise and experience to help get the best outcome possible. A lawyer is experienced in showing the positive side of a defendant’s life, making the case that the student should not be penalized for life because of one foolish mistake that was made when their judgment was compromised. Therefore, if you are in trouble with the law, it is important to contact a lawyer immediately, so they can start building your strongest possible case.