Having a criminal conviction record can have a long-lasting impact in your financial future. For students attending Neumont College, the implications of criminal charges can be far-reaching as they seek a career in technology. If your son or daughter is facing criminal charges, you should be proactive in fighting these charges. Your child’s ability to get student loans and to be eligible for certain jobs can be at risk. All the hard work in completing their projects at Neumont College doesn’t have to be lost. There is a lot at stake for Neumont students facing criminal charges because jobs in technology often require criminal clean background records. With the right legal representation, your child’s bright future doesn’t have to be compromised.
If your son or daughter was arrested and charged with a crime, attorneys working at the Overson Law Firm are prepared to provide aggressive and swift student criminal defense legal representation. The accomplished criminal defense team led by Darwin Overson will fight the charges and seek to erase the record. The Overson law firm is known for vigorous defense against felony and misdemeanor charges as well as high stakes crime. Call (801) 515-0883 to schedule a free consultation today.
Common Crimes Utah Students Commit On and Off Campus
Some offenses are more common amongst college students and young adults, such as sexual assault and drunk driving. Cyberbullying and cyberstalking charges have recently increased in college campuses in Utah. 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
Internet Crimes
Students attending tech-oriented Neumont College need to be especially proactive if the charges involve an internet crime. If convicted, of an internet crime some judges impose penalties involving computer usage, including a complete ban, court-ordered monitoring, or limitations. This can be detrimental for the student’s progress. A seasoned criminal defender for students will be prepared to advocate for actions that will not impact the student’s educational development.
Classification of Criminal 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 penalty 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.
In Class B & C misdemeanor and infraction cases, services can be provided in lieu of paying a criminal fine. This is called “compensatory service.” Compensatory services can be provided in the following agencies:
- a state or local government agency;
- a nonprofit organization; or
- any other entity or organization if prior approval is obtained from the court.
Clearing Your Criminal Records in Utah
Criminal records can be “cleaned” through expungement. Past bad actions shouldn’t have a lasting impact. With the right legal representation, erasing criminal records can be achieved.
Expungement can be a long process. The reason for this is that the Utah legislature emphasizes rehabilitation. There are different time requirements. For example, a DUI conviction will not be eligible for expungement for five to ten years. Once the expungement is approved, criminal records are treated as if they don’t exist. Judges have a great deal of discretion in deciding whether expungement is suitable–even when the crime is eligible for expungement a judge can reject the application. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate through the process of expunging a criminal record.
Reducing the Punishment for a Criminal Charge in Utah
Utah attorneys can work closely with their clients to reduce penalties successfully. These reductions include:
Alternatives to Incarceration
Alternatives include probation, community service, reparations, and court-ordered addiction recovery and prevention treatments or psychological therapy. These opportunities are often available to students who can rehabilitate through one of these alternatives and stay out of trouble.
Community Corrections Programs
Community corrections programs are residential settings where students complete jail sentences instead of imprisonment.
Criminal Defense Lawyers for Students of Neumont College Offering Free Consultations
The team of lawyers working at the Overson Law Firm is known for their unwavering commitment to fighting student crimes and pursuing all needed courses of action, including expungement of criminal records. The aggressive and proactive team led by attorney Darwin Overson 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 about your Neumont College charges.
