While all criminal accusations are serious matters, the stakes are especially high for students. In addition to potential criminal penalties, students may also face disciplinary action at their schools even if they avoid a conviction. School disciplinary boards have the authority to investigate and punish poor behavior independently of the courts. This means that they can act swiftly to remove privileges, suspend people, or even expel students. Making matters worse, schools often offer little in the way of due process for students to be able to defend themselves.
If you are facing an investigation relating to apparent misconduct at the University of Florida, Florida Atlantic University, or elsewhere in South Florida, a Fort Lauderdale student defense lawyer can help. The expert defense team at Rossen Law Firm will fight to protect your ability to continue your education while simultaneously protecting your legal rights in criminal court.
Protecting Students in Criminal Court
Students in colleges and universities are expected to follow the state’s criminal laws just like any other adult. In addition, security staff at schools must report any alleged violations of the law to the local police. This means that if a student allegedly commits a crime on campus, or anywhere else for that matter, they are likely to face criminal charges in court.
Charges that students commonly face include:
- Drug distribution under Florida Statute § 893.13
- Assaults and related crimes under Stat. § 784.011
- Criminal mischief under Stat. § 806.13
Whether an offense is a relatively minor one classified as a misdemeanor or a felony where a conviction could result in a multiple-year prison sentence, a Fort Lauderdale attorney from Rossen Law Firm can help students in South Florida build a strong defense.
Fighting to Help South Florida Students Remain in School
Defending against criminal charges is only one step in helping students retain their freedoms. The mere appearance of misconduct could lead a school to initiate its own investigation. In fact, a school can act on its own initiative and punish students even if a criminal court declines to do so. The penalties can range in severity from a warning against future misconduct, to a suspension, to expulsion.
Unfortunately for students, they often lack effective means to defend themselves. Colleges do not need to adhere to the rules of criminal procedure or evidence like criminal courts do. They may bring charges with little opportunity for a student to examine the evidence or talk to witnesses. A Fort Lauderdale student defense lawyer from Rossen Law Firm can help to stand up for a student’s rights during the process, prepare them for the investigation, and, when applicable, present a defense personally before the inquiry board.
Reach Out to a South Florida Student Defense Attorney Today
Students facing accusations of criminal conduct need to act quickly to protect themselves. Formal criminal charges can result in the creation of a criminal record, the payment of fines, and time in prison.
In addition, incidents that involve students often force a school’s disciplinary board to act. These can involve allegations that occur on or off campus. Here, the school may act to issue a suspension or even expel a student independent of the outcome of any criminal case. Standing up to accusations like these can be much easier with a legal professional in your corner.
If you or your child are facing criminal accusations, Rossen Law Firm is here to help. A Fort Lauderdale student defense lawyer can provide invaluable assistance through every step of your case. To learn more about how we can help, schedule a free strategy session today.