When college students have their first run-in with the law, it often involves a crime that they may see as a relatively minor offense such as a drug charge like marijuana possession. Depending on the jurisdiction, these crimes may not even be charged criminally. They may come in the form of ordinance violations. College students may think that the charges they face are of little more severity than a traffic violation. They are wrong.

The Unseen Impact of a Criminal Record

In reality, the unseen impact of pleading guilty and paying fines is long lasting. College students often learn too late about how a criminal record that includes even minor crimes can have an impact on housing and more. For criminal drug offenses, a student can be disqualified from receiving federally subsidized financial aid (FAFSA). Furthermore, in this competitive job market, employers are looking at criminal records. They are turning away candidates who have drug charges, theft charges or assault charges on their record. Employers do not perceive these offenses as minor, even if they are charged as ordinance violations.

At Courtney & Molter, our lawyers have more than 30 years of experience defending college students in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin. Whether a case involves a first offense or a repeat offense, we know the value in working with prosecutors or going to trial when necessary. If you are a college student accused of a crime, or the parent of a college student who had been charged with a crime, let us help.

Free Initial Consultation — Waukesha Student Arrest Defense Attorneys

Call our Milwaukee college student crime attorneys directly at 414-224-6070 in Milwaukee or contact us online. Phones are answered 24 hours a day. If we can’t speak to you right away, don’t worry — we will return your call or e-mail soon.