Dedicated Student Crimes Attorneys Ready To Fight For You
Last updated on July 31, 2024
Are you a Virginia college or university student who has been charged with a crime? Was the offense a serious one, such as a violent crime, a drug offense or DUI/DWI? Have you been in trouble with the law for traffic violations or underage drinking.
At Bounds and Bounds, PLLC, our Richmond-based law office can help you overcome your stressful legal issues. You will find customized personal service, experienced representation and dedicated representation.
If you are a first-time offender or someone who is unfamiliar with the justice system, our staff makes sure to explain legal procedures to you in a language you can understand. We are committed to guiding our clients through the legal process. Because of the knowledge and experience we have gained in the representation of similar cases over the decades, we can help you anticipate the likely hurdles and typical results for your case.
Contact our office in Richmond right away so we can get to the bottom of what happened. Call right now to secure a consultation: 804-361-3402.
Choose A Knowledgeable Virginia Student Crimes Lawyer
Please speak with our law firm immediately if you have been arrested for a criminal offense while attending any of the following institutions:
- University of Richmond
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia State University
- Randolph Mason
- John Tyler
- University of Virginia
- William & Mary
We have aggressively and effectively handled many student crime cases for parents located outside of central Virginia who were unable to travel to VA to assist their son or daughter. If this describes you, you need to know that your student’s or minor child’s legal affairs are being handled conscientiously, competently and inexpensively by a trial lawyer. Your rights and interests are in good hands.
Do not hesitate to call our Richmond law office when a crisis of this nature strikes your family. Our legal practitioners want to begin helping you as soon and as effectively as we can.
Criminal Penalties For College Students In Virginia
If you are a college or university student in one of the many higher education institutions throughout Virginia and have been arrested, it can be an intimidating experience. If this is the first time that you have had an encounter with the law, you may not fully understand what you are being charged with or the possible penalties associated with those charges.
Virginia classifies criminal charges as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are categorized from a Class 4 up to a Class 1 misdemeanor. Class 1 misdemeanors are more serious criminal offenses like petit larceny or assault and battery and these carry a penalty of not more than 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500.
If you have been charged and are convicted of a felony, the penalties naturally increase. There are 6 classes of a felony from Class 6 up to Class 1. An example of a Class 6 felony would be for something like repeated larcenies, and these carry a penalty of imprisonment from 1 to 5 years and/or a fine up to $2,500. A Class 1 felony is only if you are convicted of premeditated murder under certain circumstances. The more common charge is a Class 2 felony, which includes murder and burglary with a deadly weapon, and carries a prison sentence from 20 years to life and a fine of up to $100,000.
How A Criminal Charge Can Affect Your Future
A criminal charge for a college or university student in the state of Virginia carries with it many ramifications. The most obvious ones are the possibility that you may have to serve time behind bars and that you may be fined anywhere from $250 to $100,000, depending on the severity of the charge or charges. However, because you are enrolled as a student, there are other consequences that may impact your future.
- You could find yourself under review by the educational institution’s disciplinary board. This could result in possible suspension or expulsion from the college or university, even if the criminal charges are dropped.
- You could lose your financial aid. A conviction could disqualify you from receiving certain federally backed financial aid. In addition, if you rely on a scholarship from the institution, that institution may revoke your scholarship.
- You could have a criminal conviction on your record for the rest of your life. A criminal record is publicly accessible and can be easily found by anyone doing a background check. This may disqualify you for military duty, certain employment and certain government assistance programs.
- You may not be accepted into postgraduate studies. If you plan on continuing your education into postgraduate work, you may be denied admission to law school or other postgraduate schools.
Contact Our Law Firm Today: 804-361-3402
If you are enrolled in a college or university in Virginia, you need an experienced student crimes attorney to rectify your situation now. Contact us at our Richmond office so we can discuss your situation during a phone or email consultation.