Protecting The Futures Of Indiana College Students
When your child is charged with a crime as a college student, they may think they’ve simply “made a mistake,” but as their parent, you know the situation is far more challenging. Not only are they at risk of acquiring a criminal record that may lock them out of future employment or pursuing their desired profession, but their present is also threatened by penalties imposed by their college or university, such as being expelled or losing financial aid or scholarships.
Additionally, while many criminal defense attorneys can help you with the legal sanctions your child faces for breaking the law, far fewer have the experience and institution-specific knowledge necessary to defend a student from the sanctions they face from their college or university. At the Law Offices of Jason Jackson & Assoc in Indiana, our attorney Jason Jackson has been practicing law for 25 years. He and the other attorneys on our legal team regularly defend students accused of criminal offenses at Indiana University, Purdue University, Wabash College and other local and regional institutions.
Jason and his associates will partner with you to craft a legal strategy that preserves your child’s freedom as well as their education and their future prospects. Contact us in Noblesville or Lafayette today at 317-678-0247 for a free consultation.
What Charges Is Your Student Facing?
Imagining your student going through the arrest process and being charged with a crime can be terrifying, but our criminal defense lawyers can defend them in any type of criminal case, including:
- DUI/OWI
- Underage drinking
- Assault and aggravated assault
- Battery
- Sexual assault/rape
- Drug possession or trafficking
- Crimes involving theft or robbery
For underage students, the consequences of a criminal conviction are indeed severe. Some underage offenses, such as drunk driving, have stricter laws and harsher penalties than those for adults. No matter what type of criminal offense your student is charged with, they need representation from a serious, respected Indiana defense lawyer.
Navigating Student Conduct Proceedings At IU, Purdue And Wabash
As a proud alumnus of Wabash College and Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law, Jason Jackson has firsthand knowledge of the campus culture of these institutions. He is familiar with the nuances of their Code of Student Conduct and how disciplinary boards operate.
One factor that he and our other attorneys build into their strategy is that university disciplinary consequences are often administered far more quickly than a student’s case moves through the courts. They are responsive to your calls and will help you understand what’s at stake during your free initial consultation.
Jason also builds your child’s case to withstand a lower burden of proof that college disciplinary committees accept for evidence. Your child does not need to be proven guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” at a university hearing – the institution can determine guilt with a “preponderance of the evidence,” which is a much lower standard. He will take this fact into account to ensure your child has the strongest defense possible.
Answers To Questions Parents Ask About College Student Criminal Defense
Attorney Jackson has prepared answers to the most common questions we hear at our office about protecting college students’ rights after a criminal accusation.
Can the university expel my child before the court case is over?
Yes. As noted above, colleges and universities have their own disciplinary process that moves faster in many cases than the justice system. College enrollment is considered a contract, and if a student’s conduct violates the code of conduct, they may take action against the student, provided they observe the child’s due process rights under that system.
Will a criminal charge affect my child’s ability to obtain scholarships or financial aid?
While a criminal conviction does not create an automatic bar to getting scholarships or financial aid, much depends on the type of financial aid (private or public), the type of conviction, and which college your child attends or wishes to attend. An Indiana college student defense attorney can help you review these specific details and build them into your child’s defense strategy.
Does an expungement clear my child’s university disciplinary record?
No. An expungement, which seals the record of a criminal conviction, does not impact the record retention or other policies of an individual educational institution. Attorney Jackson can investigate the policies at the university or college in question and discuss with you the best options for moving forward.
Ready To Protect The Freedom And Futures Of College Students
If you or your loved one is facing a college disciplinary action after being arrested for a crime, we welcome your call or message. You can reach us at 317-678-0247 or by sending an email. We have evening and weekend appointments available if that works best for you. Your consultation with an attorney is free.