Columbia Student Defense Lawyer
In addition to federal and state criminal laws, students at the University of South Carolina and other higher-learning institutions in the Columbia area must adhere to strict codes of student conduct established by their particular schools. Unfortunately, certain acts can lead to both criminal prosecution and school disciplinary proceedings at the same time, either of which could have a tremendous impact on a student’s future prospects.
If you or your child had a run-in with law enforcement or need help dealing with a school conduct board or academic integrity issue, a Columbia student defense lawyer may help. With guidance from a defense attorney who has helped individuals like you through similar situations before, you could greatly improve your odds of a favorable resolution to your situation, whether it involves an initial hearing, conduct CJC Panel hearing, or both.
Common Offenses Students in Columbia Face
Since the vast majority of college and university students are old enough to be legal adults in the eyes of law enforcement, they required to follow the same laws as any other adult resident of South Carolina, as well as additional regulations if they are between 18 and 21 years of age. Some of the most common criminal charges that local student defense attorneys help with include:
- Underage drinking
- Possession of controlled substances, especially marijuana
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of a fake ID
- Drinking and driving (DUI)
- Assault and battery
- Sexual misconduct
However, a student who violates state criminal law generally also violates their college or university’s code of conduct. In other words, an arrest could lead to a student facing not only fines, probation, and potential imprisonment upon conviction in criminal court, but also sanctions from their school, like removal from campus, suspension, or exclusion.
To make matters more complicated, the standard of proof that student conduct boards require for a guilty finding is generally much laxer than the standard that criminal prosecutors are held to (e.g., preponderance of the evidence versus beyond a reasonable doubt). This means that in some cases, a student accused of a crime may suffer penalties at school even if they are not convicted of that offense in criminal court.
How Could a Lawyer Help a Student Facing Charges?
Fortunately, a qualified student defense lawyer in Columbia could provide help with both types of cases simultaneously, working tirelessly to fight for a positive outcome on a student defendant’s behalf. In a criminal context, a skilled legal representative may be able to negotiate with the court for a first-time offender to participate in a pre-trial intervention program (such as PTI, AEP, or Conditional Discharge) as an alternative to prosecution and criminal sanctioning.
In the same vein, a qualified lawyer could provide advice and support when preparing for a student disciplinary hearing, coaching them on what to say and how they should say it to effectively defend themselves. It should be noted, though, that legal counsel is generally not allowed to speak on the student’s behalf at the conduct hearing.
Speak with a Columbia Student Defense Attorney Today
Students enrolled in colleges and universities in South Carolina have the same legal rights as any other state resident if they are accused of a criminal offense. However, because cases against college students often involve both criminal proceedings and school conduct hearings, legal counsel who lack experience in student defense may be ill-equipped to help a defendant student or their parents seek an optimal outcome to their case.
Boost your odds of preserving your or your child’s future by retaining a seasoned Columbia student defense lawyer. Call today to schedule a private consultation.
