Having a permanent criminal record can impact your financial future. But for students attending the Broadview University of Utah, the implications of criminal charges can be far-reaching as they seek a career in the veterinary field. Students attending academic institutions can also be referred for disciplinary actions within the institution. If your son or daughter is facing criminal charges, you should be proactive in fighting these charges. With the right legal representation, your son or daughter can protect everything he or she has worked hard to achieve over the years. Many veterinary clinics will request criminal background records, and there is no reason why a bright future should be compromised after one unfortunate event.
If your son or daughter was arrested and charged with a crime at the Broadview University of Utah, look to the Overson Law Firm for aggressive and high-quality student criminal defense legal representation. The accomplished criminal defense team will help your son or daughter fight the charges. Attorney Darwin Overson is compassionate and committed to giving young students opportunities to avoid future troubles. He has decades of experience in criminal defense against felony and misdemeanor charges as well as high stakes crime. Call (801) 515-0883 to schedule a free consultation today.
Criminal Defense Practice for Students Attending Broadview University of Utah
Our initial focus is on fighting the charges. Charges have to be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt” in Utah. Skilled Utah criminal defense representation requires an understanding of Utah’s Sentence and Release Guidelines. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to prepare his client for all possible outcomes, including the “worst case scenario” that can occur if a student is convicted.
A dedicated criminal defense attorney should be proactive in seeking all viable alternatives to reduce penalties. There are alternatives to imprisonment available in Utah. These alternatives include:
Community Corrections
Community corrections programs are considered better suited for individuals who can complete a prison sentence rehabilitating at a correction center instead of jail. These residential settings are run and enforced by agencies with legal authority over the adult or juvenile offenders. If they deem that the person needs jail, they can ask for the removal of the correction center.
Alternatives to Incarceration
A judge can impose these alternatives when permitted. A skilled criminal defense attorney will seek alternatives to imprisonment. These alternatives include probation, community service, reparations, and court-ordered addiction recovery and prevention treatments or psychological therapy. Students can benefit from these opportunities to learn a lesson and stay out of trouble in the future.
Degrees of Charges College Students Can Face in Utah
Classification of Charges in Utah
Crimes are classified into three categories: felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. There are varying degrees of crimes within these categories. For example:
- Felonies are major crimes. The penalty includes imprisonment or a fine. The different degrees include:
- A Capital felony that carries life in prison without parole or death
- First Degree with a possible term of life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Second Degree with a potential five years to life in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000
- Third Degree can lead to zero to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000
- Misdemeanors are offenses punished with a combination of jail time and fines.
- Class A carries a possible sentence of a maximum one year in jail and fine of $2,500
- Class B carries a potential penalty of six months in prison and fine of $1,000 and compensatory service
- Class C carries a possible sentence of a maximum 90 year in jail and fine of $2,500 and compensatory service.
Compensatory Services
In Class B & C misdemeanor and infraction cases, service or unpaid work can be completed in lieu of paying a criminal fine. This is called “compensatory service.” Each hour of compensatory service is worth $10.00. Compensatory Service can be performed for:
- a state or local government agency;
- a nonprofit organization; or
- any other entity or organization if prior approval is obtained from the court.
Common Criminal Charges Students Face in Utah
Some offenses are more common amongst college students and young adults, such as sexual assault, drunk driving, marijuana possession, and hazing-related charges. Cyberbullying and cyberstalking charges have recently increased in college campuses in Utah. Other prevalent crimes among students include:
- Drug possession, distribution, and trafficking charges
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Heroin
- LSD (acid)
- Marijuana (recreational cannabis, pot, weed)
- Prescription painkillers (OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, Xanax)
- Prescriptions for Attention Deficit Disorders (Ritalin, Adderall)
- Psilocybin mushrooms (magic mushrooms)
- DUI/DWI charges (driving under the influence/driving while intoxicated)
- DUI with drugs
- Open container violations
- Repeat DUI
- Sex crimes
- Indecent exposure (flashing)
- Rape and sexual assault
- “Revenge porn” offenses
- Theft and property crimes
- Burglary
- Carjacking
- Criminal mischief (vandalism)/defacement
- Identity theft
- Shoplifting
- Violent crimes and weapons possession
- Simple assault
- Aggravated assault
- Gun possession
- Robbery
- Other common campus crimes
- Cyberstalking
- Disorderly conduct
- Hate crimes
- Hazing
- Public intoxication
- Resisting arrest
- Underage drinking/fake ID of Utah
Criminal Defense Lawyers for Broadview University Students Offering Free Consultations
The team of lawyers working at Overson law firm is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of students facing criminal charges in Utah. Drew Overson and his dedicated team will fight for reduced penalties, alternatives to incarceration, reduced crime grade, or even a complete dismissal of the charges. Call (801) 515-0883 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
