Defending High School And College Students Against Criminal Charges
An arrest for underage drinking, drug use or a sex crime, on or off campus, can have a severe negative impact on a college student’s academic standing and rights in society at large. When serious criminal charges interrupt your university student son’s or daughter’s life, the input and understanding of an aggressive, experienced defense attorney are essential. The high school and college student crimes lawyers to contact in Grayson, Collin, Dallas and Denton counties, and throughout North Central Texas, are Bob Jarvis and Matt Hamilton of the Jarvis & Hamilton Law Firm. Bob Jarvis and Matt Hamilton know how to get to the bottom of why your minor child was arrested for a crime. They provide effective, proactive local representation that saves out-of-state parents both worry and travel expenses. Their commitment to attentive personal service and availability to answer your questions are second to none.
Frequently Asked Questions
When a college student is arrested or finds themselves facing criminal charges, it is very common for both the student and their parents to have numerous questions about the process and their legal rights. Our experienced firm is here to provide answers and insights.
Do the police need a warrant to search a dorm room?
Yes, the police generally need a search warrant to search a dorm room, just as they need a warrant to search someone’s house. However, there are exceptions.
If a student gives consent, a warrant is not necessary. If there is an emergency situation, like a threat to safety, police may be able to enter. If there are items in plain view, like drug paraphernalia, police may be able to see them from a hallway where they are legally permitted.
One thing that can be complex is if a roommate consents to a search. They typically cannot consent to a police search of a person’s private belongings, but they may be able to consent to a search of shared rooms.
Is an arrest going to have an impact on a child’s ability to get scholarships or financial aid?
Yes, it can have an impact. It depends on the type of charge and whether or not the student is convicted, along with the school’s own financial aid policies.
For instance, many drug convictions do not affect eligibility for federal student aid. However, private or state grants sometimes come with stricter regulations.
Additionally, scholarships offered by the institution may be subject to a code of conduct, which an arrest or conviction could violate. Often, a student will not be automatically disqualified from their scholarship unless they are convicted.
Will a criminal conviction affect the child’s future career prospects?
Yes, a criminal record can impact a student’s career. If they have a permanent record, unless they take steps to have that record sealed or expunged, it will show up on a background check. Employers may be hesitant to hire even qualified individuals if it turns out that they have a conviction on their record.
In other cases, conviction could make a specific line of work impossible. Certain convictions could make it difficult or impossible for them to get a professional license, for instance, such as a medical license or a commercial driver’s license.
This is part of the reason why it is so important to work with experienced criminal defense attorneys when facing charges. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us for an initial consultation.
Former Prosecutors Advocating For Texas High School And College Students In Trouble
With prosecutorial backgrounds, our attorneys can anticipate the state’s strategy and counter with timely tactics of their own when a student is arrested for drug possession, a violent crime, DUI/DWI, underage drinking, theft, a sex crime or any other serious offense. We know the many ways that a drunk driving stop can go wrong, and how the police can misconstrue their probable cause to arrest and test the breath of a young driver. We know the role that illegal search and seizure can play in drug busts, many of which occur during DWI investigations. Best of all, we know how to get results for students, and return them to the classrooms in good standing with their schools. Too much is at stake for your child’s future when criminal charges put him or her at risk of expulsion, a jail term and criminal record. Put our firm-wide decades of combined experience, a proven track record, and a name you can trust, to work for your family, starting today. Reach the Jarvis & Hamilton Law Firm at 903-202-0516 or by email message. Your informative, confidential initial consultation is free of charge.