College Student & Criminal Charges

Fort Collins Criminal Defense Attorney Defending Students

The college years are a time for young people to get an education, meet new friends and have fun. Unfortunately, sometimes this fun results in an illegal act and an arrest, leaving in question one's future. If this is the case for you or your family, speak with a dedicated Fort Collins college criminal defense lawyer at The Law Offices of Rachel A. Michael, LLC right away.

We provide compassionate guidance as you work through a difficult time, and leverage our insight and experience to protect you and your college career. We believe that one mistake shouldn't define you for the rest of your life - and we do whatever we can to help you secure a brighter future.

Common College Student Offenses

There's no denying it - college students have been known to make mistakes, and sometimes these mistakes have unintended legal consequences. The most common criminal charges associated with college students include the following:

• Drug possession. Most often, college students are charged with possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia. The penalties for this charge can be severe if the student is under the age of 21, depending on the amount of marijuana. If the amount is very small, the offense is typically considered a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine and up to 30 days in jail.
• Illegal possession of alcohol. This charge is also known as a minor in possession, or MIP. This occurs when a person who is under the age of 21 is found to be in possession of alcohol or, sometimes, under the influence of alcohol. In Colorado, an MIP is punishable by a fine of $250 for a first conviction and $500 for a second. Third and subsequent convictions are punished as Class 2 misdemeanors, which may carry short jail sentences.
• Assault. This might include threats of violence, battery or sexual assault. In Colorado, anyone over the age of 18 is prosecuted for assault. Prosecution varies, depending on the nature and severity of the crime. For crimes committed with a deadly weapon or if serious injury or rape occurs, assault may be prosecuted as a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years.

Many Colorado colleges and universities have implemented strict alcohol and drug use policies. At Colorado State University, for instance, strict compliance with state and federal laws is upheld through the school's drug and alcohol policy.

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Legal help may be necessary if your child commits a serious crime on school grounds, such as assault or battery. Generally, assault is any action that causes another person to fear being physically harmed, while battery involves making physical contact. Both are serious crimes, and a student found committing one or both crimes on campus might face expulsion or even more serious criminal penalties.

If your child is in college and has been found committing one of these crimes, don't rely on school officials to deliver less severe punishment. Seek dependable legal counsel to ensure your child stands the best chance at avoiding harsh penalties and keeping their permanent record clear.

Let's discuss your situation during a free initial consultation: (970) 616-6668.