Orlando College Student Defense Lawyer

Orlando College Student Defense Attorney

If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime as a university or college student, it’s crucial that you consult a skilled Orlando college student defense lawyer as soon as you can. Facing criminal charges is always stressful; when you’ve got your academic career to worry about as well, it’s wise to leave the matter to the professionals.

The Law Offices of Nellie L. King is well-equipped to assist current and prospective college students who are facing criminal charges. We understand the importance of letting our clients focus on their lives and personal goals while we build a strong defense on their behalf. With our qualified representation, you can have a fair chance of facing minimal criminal penalties and reduced academic punishment. We may even prevent you from being convicted altogether.

When Would I Need a College Student Defense Lawyer?

A college student defense lawyer in Orlando, Florida is no different from other defense attorneys. The primary distinction is that these legal defense professionals are qualified to assist those who are enrolled in college or university. You should consider working with a college student defense attorney if you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, as a conviction can negatively impact your higher education endeavors.

In addition to potentially facing legal penalties, being found guilty as a college or university student puts you at risk of certain disciplinary punishments and consequences from your school. Examples include:

• Loss of federal financial aid
• Loss of scholarships
• Academic suspension or expulsion
• Revoked degrees
• A blemished permanent academic record
• Any other restrictions or penalties the academic institution may be feasibly inclined to levy against you

This can result in academic implications such as losing Bright Futures, which is explained in Fla. Statute 1009.53, or other scholarships originally awarded to the student. Your college student defense attorney can represent you in all legal proceedings related to the criminal court system. However, they’re also your legal counsel in academic proceedings with your school. Typically, students must go through a simultaneous academic proceeding while also navigating the criminal process. Additionally, a college defense attorney can represent you in matters related to the institution’s code of conduct.

Common Types of Collegiate Crime Cases We Handle

At the Law Offices of Nellie L. King, our skilled defense team has extensive experience in overseeing criminal proceedings and misconduct issues for college and university students. These are some of the most common legal matters we handle for our collegiate clients:

• Code of conduct violations, such as plagiarism and cheating
• Engaging in protests on or off school property
• DUIs, which are instances of alcohol or drug-impaired driving, including situations when a student was involved in a traffic collision or the serious injury of another person
• Underage drinking or drug use
• Underage possession of alcohol
• Drug possession
• Assault, battery, and sex crimes, such as indecent exposure, sexual assault, and rape
• Theft and burglary
• Felony charges, such as those involving the use of fake identification cards

The Legal Process After You’ve Been Charged

Once you’ve retained legal counsel, you’ll soon prepare for your pretrial hearing. Your defense lawyer can:

• Investigate the charges against you and other details of the case.
• Gather any evidence to prove your version of events.
• Build a strong argument on your behalf.

After the pretrial hearing, the judge reviews the arguments of both parties to determine what evidence may be viable for a trial or whether the charges should be dismissed entirely.

Additionally, a pretrial diversion may be granted for some non-violent offenses. This subjects the defendant to a period of supervision and applicable restrictions, similar to probation. Typically, the pretrial diversion program results in the charges being dismissed, and the student’s record won’t be impacted.

FAQs

Q: What Does a College Student Defense Lawyer Do in FL?

A: College student defense lawyers in Florida are legal professionals. Specifically, they represent and counsel individuals who’ve been arrested or charged with an unlawful offense while pursuing higher education.

College and university students can benefit from these qualified defense lawyers, as their attorney can represent them not only in legal proceedings but also in scholastic hearings. A defense attorney who is experienced in representing students can advocate to reduce or eliminate criminal charges and potential academic penalties.

Q: What Happens If I’m Convicted as a University Student in FL?

A: If you are convicted as a university student in Florida, the potential criminal and academic penalties you may face depend greatly on the type of crime you’ve been convicted of, the severity of the offense, whether you have a previous criminal history, and other factors.

Legal penalties include fines and possible jail time, while academic punishments include potential suspension or expulsion, loss of scholarship or financial aid, and revoked degrees. It can affect your future career and overall reputation.

Q: Can You Fight Criminal Charges as a College Student in FL?

A: Yes, it’s possible to fight criminal charges in Florida as a college student. It’s advised that you work with an educated and experienced defense attorney if you’re facing such allegations. Hiring qualified legal representation is always beneficial, but it’s especially crucial if you are someone pursuing higher education.

A criminal conviction poses significant academic penalties in addition to criminal ones. To avoid or mitigate these consequences, your attorney can build a strong defense case on your behalf, employing various strategic approaches based on the specifics of your situation.

Q: How Much Does a College Defense Attorney Cost in Florida?

A: It’s difficult to estimate the cost of a college student defense attorney without knowing the details of your case. The case’s complexity and how long it takes to resolve have a significant impact on how much time and work is required of your lawyer. Your legal expenses will depend on the type and severity of the charges against you. The most effective way to get an accurate estimate is to consult a qualified defense lawyer about your situation.

Strong Campus Crimes Defense for Collegiate Clients

Take action early by consulting an educated and qualified college student defense lawyer about your case. At the Law Offices of Nellie L. King, we understand that our clients make mistakes and deserve quality legal representation. As a college or university student, allow a legal professional to work for you in protecting your rights. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.