A Criminal Attorney Redwood City CA Clients Recommend Discusses When It’s Your First Criminal Charge
If you are a high school senior, a current college student or the parent of a very young adult, you are likely concerned about how to best avoid getting into trouble unintentionally at this stage of life. Too many very young adults find themselves in legal “hot water” simply because they are unaware of how the law works under certain circumstances. For better and for worse, “But I didn’t know!” is rarely a valid defense honored by the courts and honored by college administrators. So, it is vitally important to have a basic understanding of how to avoid criminal liability while pursuing a college degree. If you do find yourself facing criminal charges, contact a criminal attorney in Redwood City, California from right away.
Criminal Behavior: Common College Student Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes college students make is assuming that because their peers are engaging in a certain kind of behavior that is not currently resulting in any consequences that it is okay for them to engage in similar behavior. Take, for example, underage drinking. It is a common misconception that because many college students choose to imbibe alcohol before they turn 21 and that it is okay to do so as long as they do not drive while drunk.
This assumption is false. Anyone who is drinking alcohol while underage can be cited for doing so. While this may seem like an insignificant consequence, underage drinking citations can affect a college student’s ability to remain enrolled in school, to pursue additional educational opportunities and even getting a job down the road. Just because “everyone else is doing it” doesn’t mean that “it” won’t result in criminal consequences at some point. If you have been charged with underage drinking, contact a criminal attorney in Redwood City, CA right away.
Another common mistake college students make is assuming that “everyday college experiences” are somehow insulated from potential liability. For example, many college students get into fights at some point during their education, simply because living in close quarters with many individuals who choose to imbibe alcohol tends to lead to fights now and again. Yes, fights may be commonplace, but they can also result in assault and/or battery charges with surprising speed. Similarly, it may be commonplace to engage in physical intimacy with one’s classmates, but that does not make it okay to do so without explicit consent. Just because a certain behavior is common does not mean that it will not lead to criminal charges. Contact a Redwood City CA criminal attorney right away if you have been accused of assaulting someone.
Legal Guidance Is Available
If you are a college student or the parent of a college student and you have questions about criminal liability during the college years, please do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal attorney Redwood City CA families trust. Too often, individuals and families only seek legal assistance once they find themselves struggling with some sort of legal challenge. In reality, attorneys can serve as valuable sources of information and feedback on a proactive basis as well. Whether you are concerned that trouble may already be brewing or you simply want to know how to avoid trouble in the future, an attorney experienced in criminal defense matters can help to clarify the law, advise you of your options and provide necessary guidance and support. Please consider scheduling a consultation with a criminal defense attorney Redwood City CA clients recommend from the Morales Law Firm today for all of your college-related legal questions and concerns.