A criminal conviction in your official records can have a long-lasting impact in your financial future. For students attending Eagle Gate College, the implications of criminal charges can be devastating as they seek a career in nursing and other medical fields. If your son or daughter is facing criminal charges, you should be proactive in fighting these charges that can hurt his or her career prospects. Your child’s ability to get student loans and to be eligible for nursing jobs can be at risk. With the right legal representation, your child’s future in nursing doesn’t have to be compromised.
If your son or daughter attending Eagle Gate College 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. You need the very best behind you to fight the charges and seek to erase the record. The Overson law firm is known for an unwavering commitment against felony and misdemeanor charges as well as high stakes crime. Call (801) 515-0883 to schedule a free consultation today.
Common On-Campus and Off-Campus Crimes that Students Commit in Utah
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. 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
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. Work can be done in one of the following:
- a state or local government agency;
- a nonprofit organization; or
- any other entity or organization if prior approval is obtained from the court.
Reducing the Punishment for Student Crimes at Eagle Gate College
Utah attorneys can work closely with their clients to reduce the level of penalties that can be faced if convicted. These reductions can be:
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. Attorney Darwin Overson works with professionals who can assist in determining what will be the best course of action and what options can be presented to the judge.
Community Corrections Programs
Community corrections programs are residential settings where students complete jail sentences instead of imprisonment.
Steps to Expunge a Student Criminal Record in Utah
Criminal records can be “cleaned” through sealing and expungement. There are crimes that can never be sealed or expunged such as sex offenses. Past bad actions shouldn’t have a lasting impact. With the right legal representation, erasing criminal records can be achieved. This part of the process begins after the sentence is satisfied.
Sometimes a record can be sealed due to the nature of the crime. Expungement is the other alternative. There are different time requirements for expunging offenses out of a record. For example, a DUI conviction is typically not 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. Since Utah emphasizes rehabilitation, a judge can reject the application for expungement if he or she deems the individual is not rehabilitated. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate through the process of cleaning a criminal record.
Criminal Defense Lawyers for Students of Eagle Gate College Offering Free Consultations
The team of lawyers working at the Overson Law Firm is known for their unwavering commitment to all needed courses of action, including alternatives to incarceration and expungement of criminal records. The accomplished team led by attorney Darwin Overson is prepared to fight for your rights. Call (801) 515-0883 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
