A criminal charge can have severe implications in most people’s lives. But for college students, the consequences can be devastating. Sometimes a criminal record can means that problems can arise down the road, including in applying for licenses to exercise their chosen profession. Students at Western Governors University are required to pass a criminal background as a condition for enrollment. If criminal charges are faced after being enrolled, a criminal conviction may create serious hurdles. Since online universities don’t have official state borders, an experienced attorney can guide you through the process as to the how laws will be applied in the case.
If you or your son or daughter attending Western Governors University has been charged with a crime, all the hard work and money spent can be at risk due to a criminal charge. But with the right legal representation, the impact if the charges can be minimized if not dismissed altogether. Take swift and effective action to protect your child’s future and look to the Utah based legal team of Overson Law Firm for student criminal defense legal representation. Our experienced lawyers will work with you and your son or daughter as your family navigates through this trying process. Leading attorney Darwin Overson is compassionate and understands that there is a lot at stake in legal representation of a student charged with a crime. He has years of experience defending college students against a wide array of computer crimes, including related felony and misdemeanor charges. Call (801) 515-0883 to schedule a free consultation today.
Criminal Charges for Students Attending Online Universities
Criminal cases related to online universities can become complicated. Let’s say the student resides in another state, yet the crime is technically committed where the school is located. While charges can also be presented in other states, since the university is the conduit, charges are likely to be filed in Utah (as well as in other potential places). An experienced attorney will be able to explain the technicalities of this situation, which can get complicated. However, an experienced criminal defense attorney for students has the experience needed to handle these cases and walk you through the various scenarios and design a strategy to streamline the defense.
Internet Crimes
Students can face charges for any crime. However, students attending online universities are more likely to get in trouble with all sorts of internet crimes.
Examples of internet crimes include:
- Cyber harassment/cyberbullying
- Cyberstalking
- Cyber terrorism
- Internet Fraud
- Theft
- Hacking and other forms of computer trespass
- Identity theft
The Utah Department of Safety usually works with the FBI in these cases. Since these crimes are both, state crimes in Utah and federal crimes, a student can face charges on both ends, known as “jurisdictions.” A seasoned attorney will fight for your rights in both jurisdictions and will guide you as to the implications of being prosecuted in each one.
Penalties for Internet Crimes in Utah
Some internet crimes are considered felonies. Felonies are crimes that are punished with a potential of more than one year in prison, as opposed to misdemeanors, which carry up to one year in jail.
Misdemeanors are divided into various classes, which carry the following penalties:
- Class A misdemeanors carry up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,500
- Class B misdemeanors carry up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000
- Class C misdemeanors carry up to 90 days in prison and fines up to $750
Some judges impose penalties involving computer usage, including a complete ban, court-ordered monitoring, or limitations. This can be detrimental for the student. And this is something an attorney has to take into consideration in the legal representation of a student at Western Governor’s University. A seasoned criminal defender for students will be prepared to advocate for actions that will not impact the student’s educational development.
How to Expunge a Student Criminal Record in Utah
A petition to request “expungement” can be filed after all fines, fees, restitution, and penalties are satisfied, there are ways to expunge or remove criminal conviction records. Expungement can be extraordinarily important for university students’ career goals. Expunging of a criminal record means that the court orders the history of the case to be sealed. The criminal record includes:
- Arrest records
- Data related to an investigation
- Detention records
- Conviction, including the verdict and if there was a guilty plea
Only government officials can have access to the expunged records. No other organization, entity or individual should have access to these records. You cannot expunge records of any conviction if:
- there is a criminal case pending
- false or misleading information is provided on the application for the certificate of eligibility
- there is a conviction existing in separate criminal episodes of:
- two or more felonies (other than drug possession)
- three or more crimes (other than drug possession) of which two are class A misdemeanors
- four or more offenses (other than drug possession) of which three are class B misdemeanors
- five or more crimes of any degree (other than drug possession)
- three or more felonies for drug possession; or
- five or more crimes of any degree for drug possession.
Call Our Western Governors University Criminal Defense Lawyers
The team of lawyers working at Overson law firm is committed to criminal defense representation of students. Leading attorney Darwin Overson and his dedicated team will fight for the rights and best interests in the future of students at Western Governors University. After a resolution is established, attorney Darwin Overson can seek an expungement of the record. Call (801) 515-0883 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
