College Students Facing Criminal Charges in Texas: What You Need to Know

College is an important time in your life, when you discover who you are, what career you want to pursue, and where your passions lie. 

It’s also a time when young people are transitioning into adulthood, and a criminal arrest, such as a DWI or drug charge, can be terrifying. Students see their futures flash before their eyes, wondering if an arrest means all they’ve worked for will be gone.

However, college students facing criminal charges in Texas should not lose hope. In this article, Austin criminal defense attorney Chris Perri breaks down what you need to know to right the course. Those first decisions you make after an arrest or charge will impact the outcome of your case, and thus your entire future. 

The first step is to hire a criminal lawyer with experience working with students.

If you are arrested in Travis County (or anywhere in Texas), the very first thing you need to do is hire a defense attorney who has direct experience working with students. This is mandatory.

Yes, it sucks to cough up the money, but many Austin lawyers working with students offer payment plans. It’s essential to have a dedicated advocate on your side so you can get the best possible outcome for your case. Think less about the initial pain of asking your parents for a loan, and more about your future.

Prosecutors -- at least those in Travis County -- often make special considerations to college students with no prior convictions or minimal criminal records. However, you’ll need the right defense lawyer to help with these negotiations. Chris Perri Law, for instance, has helped students from the following local universities:

• Austin Community College

• Concordia University

• Huston-Tillotson University

• Saint Mary’s University

• Southwestern University

• St. Edward’s University

• Texas State University

• Trinity University

• University of Texas at Austin

• University of Texas at San Antonio

• And more.

When selecting an attorney, experience is something to look for, but you also need to go with your gut. It’s essential to choose someone who you trust, who is compassionate to your situation, and with whom you feel a strong connection. For tips on how to select the best criminal defense lawyer for you, click here.

Avoiding a criminal conviction should be your #1 goal.

Once you’ve hired an attorney in Austin or wherever, your goal is now to avoid a criminal conviction. If you can avoid a conviction on your DWI, possession of marijuana, assault, or other charge, you may eventually be eligible for an expungement.

An expungement, also called an expunction, clears the criminal arrest history from your record. That means by the time you graduate and go out on the job market, your record will be free and clear. An expungement is also the only way to get that pesky mugshot off of the Internet. Therefore, this is the best goal. 

However, if your case results in a conviction, then an expungement is off the table. You still have options, though, such as a deferred adjudication, which can result in a non-disclosure order. (A non-disclosure order hides the arrest from the general public’s view, but law enforcement and licensing agencies can still view them, so it’s not as powerful as an expunction.)

To avoid a conviction, sometimes a trial is the best or only option. However, it is more common for a criminal defense attorney in Austin to negotiate a deal that avoids a conviction, or at least reduces the charge. Sometimes the components of the deal involve a lot of upfront work on your part, such as:

• Taking drug and alcohol classes

• Completing community service

• Paying fines

• And more

While it may be tempting to just accept a conviction to avoid the hassle, you should consider your future—play the long game. When you’re one day applying for a professional license, you’ll be thankful that you took the time to hire a skilled defense attorney and complete the steps necessary to avoid a criminal conviction.

Will my criminal arrest get me kicked out of school?

Students often wonder how an arrest will impact their standing with their university. Each college has their own policies, but typically, a criminal charge will not affect your relationship with the college, unless the arrest is a sex crime. If the charge is a sexual assault, the school may request a hearing, which could result in a suspension or expulsion. If you do end up facing a disciplinary hearing, an attorney can support you through the process.

It’s important to know that you are not bound by Texas law to notify the college of your arrest. That is not your responsibility. However, the school may find out on their own, such as if an alleged victim reaches out, or if the arresting officer is part of the campus police department.  

Chris Perri, experienced student defense lawyer in Austin, can help.

An arrest is overwhelming, especially when your future is on the line. Most college students who get arrested have no criminal record, or a very minimal one. You want to protect that for your future, but it’s not something you can do on your own.

With extensive experience representing students in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, and more, Chris Perri is ready to fight for you. He’s helped students from colleges like Texas State University and University of Texas turn their lives around after an arrest, and he can do the same for you.

If you need legal assistance, don’t wait any longer. Chris Perri Law offers free, confidential case consultations. Call us at (512) 269-0260 or visit www.chrisperrilaw.com today.