Tampa College Student Defense Lawyer

Tampa College Student Defense Attorney

If you’re a college student facing a criminal allegation, you might be worried about the future of your education in addition to the impending charges. Consulting with a Tampa college student defense lawyer can help ease your mind as you navigate the legal process.

A criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Nellie L. King can walk you through each step of the upcoming proceedings and negotiate with both the school and the prosecution on your behalf. When your education and career options are on the line, you need a strong legal defense to protect your reputation and future.

Common Criminal Charges on Campuses

A criminal charge as a college student in Tampa, Florida can come with both legal and academic consequences. Some of the most common crimes reported on college campuses include theft of personal or school property, drug- and alcohol-related offenses, and cybercrimes that include hacking, harassment, or phishing schemes. However, the most reported crimes on college campuses involve sexual assault, such as unwanted sexual advances or rape.

Academic Consequences

For college students, a criminal charge could greatly impact education and academic standing. Disciplinary actions from a college might include:

• Suspension or expulsion. Depending on the case and the severity of the charges, you could face a temporary suspension or a full dismissal from the institution.
• Loss of financial aid. If you received assistance in paying for your education, you might forfeit your right to receive additional financial aid for not meeting stringent requirements and may be required to pay back what you already received.
• Academic record impact. Your charges could appear on your transcript and prevent you from pursuing graduate studies or changing schools.
• Housing. If you lived in student housing, a charge against you could make you lose your student housing privileges, requiring you to seek off-campus accommodations.

The legal consequences can impact more than just your college experience. It can affect your future career and overall reputation. 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.

Legal Consequences

Criminal sentencing varies greatly and, similar to academic repercussions, is based on the severity of the charges. For example, if the charge includes alcohol or drug use, you might face a probation sentence, fines, and/or jail time. Other consequences for criminal charges could include community service, loss of driver’s license for a specified length of time, or required enrollment in a rehabilitation program.

Having a conviction on your permanent criminal record can affect your ability to get a job, professional licensing, or housing opportunities. Your reputation is also at stake when your name is tarnished by a criminal allegation.

A Tampa college student defense lawyer can help you navigate your charges and negotiate on your behalf with both the court system and your college or university to get you an optimal outcome.

How Can a Tampa College Student Defense Lawyer Help?

It can be difficult to navigate the disciplinary process with your school in addition to figuring out legal proceedings in a criminal court case. A Tampa college student defense lawyer can walk you through both processes and ensure you understand every step. Your attorney’s goal is to protect your constitutional rights and be sure you receive a fair trial.

Your defense attorney reviews all aspects of your case, determines the college’s policies, investigates facts and testimony, and collects evidence. Compiling all of this information helps them put together a defense strategy and ensure that the school treats your situation with unbiased care and consideration.

When arguing in your defense, your Tampa college student defense lawyer might examine the possibility of mistake of fact, which involves a misunderstanding surrounding the circumstances of your allegation. They must also be sure you acted in the right state of mind, were not acting in self-defense, and did not feel coerced into the crime by another party or law enforcement.

The Law Offices of Nellie L. King understands the complexities that come with college student defense cases and fight to fiercely protect your rights, future education, and work opportunities.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Mistake of Fact Defense in Florida?

A: The mistake of fact defense examines the defendant’s reason for committing the crime. The defense lawyer can use this tactic to prove that the defendant acted because they misunderstood facts surrounding the situation. This claim must be believable — something that could be demonstrated as an “honest mistake,” such as taking another’s property because it resembled their own.

Q: What Is the Most Common Argument of a Defense Attorney?

A: A defense lawyer examines all the evidence and witness testimony involved in a case. Often, the most common argument in the defendant’s favor is that the evidence gathered is not sufficient enough to prove their client guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Defense lawyers can also determine if police misconduct might have been involved or if their client acted in self-defense.

Q: Do Defense Lawyers Get Paid if They Lose?

A: Yes, a criminal defense lawyer will still receive pay regardless of the outcome of the case. Most criminal defense lawyers charge an hourly rate or a flat fee, which ensures that they provide unbiased representation that is not influenced by the case result and are compensated for their time, experience, case preparation, and court appearances.

Q: What Can a Defense Attorney Not Do?

A: A defense attorney cannot tamper with evidence or coax their client into lying under oath to help their case. While a defense attorney’s main goal is to win the case, tampering with facts and evidence is illegal, as is trying to deceive the jury. They also can’t promise their client a specific outcome for a case or advise their client to commit additional crimes.

Contact a Tampa College Student Defense Lawyer to Discuss Your Case

It can be overwhelming to face a criminal charge while navigating college life because you’re essentially fighting against two powerful entities: your school and the legal system. These two bodies can charge you with allegations that come with different penalties that can affect you for the rest of your life.

The nationally known Law Offices of Nellie L. King understands that this can be a difficult challenge. We can help you present your case and ensure you get back on track with both your education and career. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.