How Criminal Charges Impact College Students
Are you enrolled in a Georgia college or university and facing criminal charges? Did you know that student loans and financial aid may be affected by a criminal conviction on your record? Were you aware that you can be prosecuted under your school’s Student Code of Conduct when you are arrested or convicted for a crime? Prosecution by your school could result in probation, suspension, expulsion, withholding grades and withholding your diploma. To ensure the most successful future possible, contact the experienced Atlanta attorneys at Cohen & Hirsch. We have experience navigating your school’s student conduct code.
Student Criminal Cases Our Firm Handles Regularly
If you’ve been arrested or convicted of a crime, you not only need skilled legal representation for your criminal case, but knowledgeable attorneys to advise you on how to manage the disciplinary process at your school. Some of the charges we represent students on include:
- DUI
- A marijuana arrest
- Felony drug charges
- Misdemeanor assault and battery
- Underage drinking
- Rape or statutory rape
While the burden of proof in a criminal case is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” a very high burden, the burden of proof in a student conduct council inquiry is “by a preponderance of the evidence,” meaning they only have to prove that it is more likely than not that you committed the charged offense. Furthermore, your student conduct inquiry officers are allowed to rely on police reports and hearsay in making a determination about your conduct. You could be convicted on campus without the conduct officer ever speaking to a live witness.
Get Solid Advice On Student Conduct Inquiries
Our attorneys have advised many students at Emory, Georgia State, Georgia Tech and other Georgia universities and colleges on how to respond to an inquiry from a student conduct officer. Contact Cohen & Hirsch for a free initial consultation at 404-919-7096.