With the start of the college football season, we are reminded that thousands of students have matriculated to colleges or universities in Pinellas County to pursue their undergraduate or graduate education. Our office is often contacted by out-of-state or out-of-county parents whose son or daughter is attending USF – St. Petersburg Campus, Eckerd College, Stetson University College of Law or St. Petersburg College after the student has been arrested for a criminal offense in the St. Petersburg or Clearwater area.
According to a recent study by ProjectKnow.com, Florida was one of five states in 2014 with the biggest increase in drug arrests on college campuses. From 2013 to 2014 alone there was a 47.9% increase in drug related arrests. And the statistics do not stop there. AddictionCenter states that college students make up one of the largest groups of drug abusers and those enrolled in full-time programs are twice as likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
It is not a surprise that the stress of the college academic workload, coupled with peer pressure and the new found “freedom” of being away from parents, sometimes results in poor decision making by college-aged students. Moreover, the availability of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs frequently play a substantial role in the students’ “lapse in judgement.” Common offenses for college students include:
- Driving Under the Influence;
- Possession of Marijuana;
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
- Possession of Controlled Substances;
- Disorderly Conduct;
- Disorderly Intoxication;
- Retail Theft;
- Battery;
- Possession of Alcohol By Person Under the Age of 21;
- Criminal Mischief; and
- Resisting Arrest Without Violence.
It is important to remember that an arrest for a criminal offense can have lifelong consequences that often cannot be appreciated by a college-aged student. It is imperative that the student obtain a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney to zealously advocate on the student’s behalf. Early intervention by the student’s attorney may result in the dismissal of charges and avoid the need for the college student to appear in Court. Likewise, it is possible that the young adult may qualify for a diversion program such as Pre-Trial Intervention, or may be eligible to avoid a conviction for the offense by securing a “Withhold of Adjudication.” It is of the utmost importance to secure the best possible outcome so as to ensure that the student can thereafter have his or her record Sealed or Expunged, if otherwise eligible.
The attorneys at Russo Pelletier & Sullivan have represented students from every college and university in Pinellas County. Our lawyers only handle criminal cases in Pinellas County. If you are a parent who has recently discovered that your college-aged has been arrested, please contact our office immediately to schedule a free consultation. If you reside out of the area, our office can facilitate a conference call or “Skype” meeting so that you may participate in our discussion to develop a strategy to secure the best possible outcome for our client.
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