Hundreds of thousands of students call Utah home, attending colleges and universities across the state to develop their skills and prepare for the future. While a college education can open doors for your career and personal growth, sometimes this sudden new freedom can lead to disastrous mistakes. Allegations of criminal activity can put a young person’s future on the line, which is why understanding how arrests affect your future in college is critical to your next steps. At Conyers & Nix, we believe that no allegation should ruin a student’s life.
What Are Some Common Charges That College Students Face?
For many young people, college represents the first step into independence and seeing what the world has to offer. While this is a period of growth and newfound personal responsibility, some students may unintentionally push the boundaries and find themselves in trouble with the law. Some allegations and charges that are not uncommon among college students include:
- Disorderly conduct
- Possession of drugs
- Underage drinking
- Driving under the influence
- Sexual assault
- Trespassing
While this list is not exhaustive, it does capture many of the legal issues that college students face. Facing charges is a nerve-wracking experience and it is natural to fear wondering how arrests affect your future in college and as you begin your career as a young adult.
What Is the Difference Between an Arrest and a Criminal Conviction?
It is important to understand that an arrest is not the same as a criminal conviction. An arrest takes place before a person is charged with a crime. In some cases, you can be arrested and later have the charges dropped. At Conyers & Nix, we work tirelessly to help college students avoid criminal convictions and the undue legal consequences that accompany a criminal charge.
How Can Arrest Affect Your Future as a College Student?
For college students—or any person hoping to attain a degree—the implications of an arrest may cast a long shadow on their educational and professional future.
Suspension and Expulsion
One of the immediate impacts of an arrest is the potential for suspension or expulsion. Nearly all major universities maintain conduct and discipline policies, which have been put in place to address instances of criminal charges among students. While these policies vary greatly from institution to institution, in many situations, students may be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion. Universities prioritize keeping a positive reputation and brand image, which may necessitate swift action against students who have been arrested.
Financial Aid
Many financial aid programs are tied to federal or state governments, both of which take criminal charges very seriously. A conviction can impact your ability to apply for and secure financial aid. Moreover, if your financial aid was suspended due to a criminal charge, you may be responsible for returning any financial aid that you received during the loan period in which the criminal offense occurred.
Future Employment
If you are arrested and convicted of a criminal charge, your future employment opportunities may be limited. Many employers perform background checks as a necessary part of their hiring process. Unfortunately, a criminal record may result in disqualification from certain employment opportunities. This can be particularly impactful for students who have invested years into education and training to secure a promising, fruitful career.
Housing
Landlords and property owners can run background checks on potential tenants who apply to rent from them. Utah Code § 57-22-4 states that as long as the landlord discloses it in writing, they are legally entitled to consider a renter’s criminal record during the application process. In fact, “good landlord programs” even incentivize landlords to prevent individuals with criminal records from renting in certain communities.
Enrollment in Certain Courses
Limiting your ability to enroll in certain courses that are crucial to your program is one of the most overlooked ways that arrests affect your future in college. If you have been arrested during college, you may encounter new restrictions on the courses you can study and the types of career paths you can pursue. For instance, depending on the nature of the crime, you may not be able to have a career that involves working with children or vulnerable adults.
Dismissal From Groups and School Clubs
Beyond academics and job opportunities, an arrest may have major social consequences. Students may experience isolation or judgment from their peers, resulting in dismissal from certain extracurricular groups and school clubs. In addition, the stress of the arrest may exacerbate mental health challenges, leading to bouts of depression, anxiety, or other struggles. In turn, it can disrupt the student’s ability to interact with their peers and create a strong support system, both of which are critical to a well-rounded and positive college experience.
What Should You Do if You Are Arrested as a College Student?
If you are arrested as a college student, it is important to seek out as much information as possible from trusted resources, like an experienced attorney. Typically, universities will bring students before administrative or student boards at initial hearings very quickly—well before the criminal case is resolved.
Actions taken at these hearings even have the ability to incriminate you in a criminal case, underscoring the importance of taking action as soon as possible after being Disorderly conduct. Choosing to have an attorney represent you during all phases of the university hearing and criminal proceedings can help ensure that you are aware of your legal options and informed of the potential impacts of the arrest.
Speak With an Experienced Student Defense Attorney at Conyers & Nix
As a college student with a bright and promising future, an arrest or a criminal conviction can have a devastating impact on your education, your career, and your social life. At Conyers & Nix, our team of experienced defense attorneys is dedicated to protecting the dreams, goals, and aspirations of college students.
We represent students at major Utah universities, advocating for their rights at every step of the process and ensuring that their records remain clear of criminal charges. To discuss how an arrest affects your future in college and your next steps after being arrested, consider scheduling a consultation with us today.
