Students in college generally do not have fully-formed brains yet. As such, they often fail to consider the consequences of their decisions and they make impulsive, seemingly inappropriate choices.
College students might get into fights that result in an arrest. They might shoplift from a business, get caught in possession of alcohol, abuse drugs or even drive after drinking.
The mistakes they make as a student could theoretically lead to criminal charges. A guilty plea or conviction may lead to a criminal sentence and a lifetime criminal record. Parents often need to support young adults accused of breaking the law to ensure they learn from their mistakes without paying the highest price possible for them.
The risks for college students
College students could potentially become temporarily ineligible for financial aid due to a criminal conviction. They may also lose their enrollment at their current college if the offense violates the student code of conduct imposed by the institution.
If they apply for medical school or other graduate school opportunities, a record could reduce their chances of securing enrollment and financial aid. Their conviction could also turn up during attempts to secure internships or when applying for competitive jobs. While Minnesota does have rules limiting when employers can check applicants’ criminal records, those who make it past the initial application stage may find that a prior offense results in the company choosing a different candidate.
How should parents respond?
Learning that a college student has broken the law is likely to lead to disappointment. Parents may want their students to experience some of the consequences of their choices to help them learn from their mistakes. The stress and embarrassment of pending criminal charges can be enough of a lesson to help young adults overcome impulsivity and poor decision-making.
Counseling to help them address issues that may have contributed to their decisions can also be beneficial. There are various legal solutions available for college students, arranging from plea deals to pretrial diversion programs, that can help prevent the worst consequences possible after an arrest while attending school.
Parents can support their students by helping them understand the seriousness of the charges they face and assisting them as they seek out legal representation. Working with a criminal defense attorney can have a profoundly positive impact on families trying to limit the implications of college criminal charges accordingly.