Having to confront a court of law can be an intimidating and life-altering experience. For Salt Lake Community College students, this can be especially difficult. For a student who has never been in trouble and his or her parents, this can be incredibly stressful. If convicted of the criminal charge, the student can face steep fines, confinement, and probation. But with a skilled legal representation, there are better chances to reduce or overcome the charges.
Look to the Overson Law Firm for skilled and dedicated student criminal defense legal representation. Leading attorney Darwin Overson understands the intricacies of representing students at Salt Lake Community College, including campuses in Salt Lake City, Sandy, West Valley City, and Jordan. He has years of experience defending college students against a wide array of felony and misdemeanor charges and will become a relentless and committed advocate of your son’s or daughter’s best interests. Call (801) 515-0883 to schedule a free consultation today.
Common Criminal Charges that Students Face in Utah
All students can be charged with any crime. However, some offenses are more common among students and young adults, including:
- Drug possession, distribution, and trafficking charges
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy (molly)
- 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)
- Theft and property crimes
- Burglary
- Carjacking
- Criminal mischief (vandalism)
- Identity theft
- Shoplifting
- DUI/DWI charges (driving under the influence/driving while intoxicated)
- DUI with drugs
- Open container violations
- Repeat DUI
- Sex crimes (attempt to commit the crime is a separate offense)
- Indecent exposure
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- “Revenge porn” offense
- Theft and property crimes
- Burglary
- Carjacking
- Criminal mischief (vandalism)
- 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 IDs
- Hacking and “computer trespass” type crimes
Classification of Criminal Charges
There are three categories of crimes in Utah: felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. There are varying degrees of crimes within these categories. For example:
- Felonies are crimes punishable with jail or a fine. The different degrees include:
- A Capital felony, which carries life in prison without parole or death
- First Degree carries a possible term of life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Second Degree carries a potential five years to life in prison and a maximum penalty of $10,000
- Third Degree, which can lead to zero to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000
- Misdemeanors are offenses typically punished 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.
Fines imposed in Class B & C can be paid with service or unpaid work instead of paying out-of-pocket for the criminal fine. The rate of compensatory services is $10.00 per hour. Compensatory Service can be performed for:
- Government agencies, including state or local entities
- Nonprofit organizations
- Other entities or organizations with express approval from the court
How to Get Your Criminal Record Expunged 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:
- A criminal case pending
- Information is provided on the application for the certificate of eligibility is false or misleading
- An prior or pending conviction appears in separate criminal episodes of felonies or other qualifying crimes crimes of any degree for drug possession.
Alternative to Prison for College Students with Criminal Charges
Utah has instituted a comprehensive structure of alternatives to imprisonment. This can be extraordinarily helpful in representing students facing criminal charges. An experienced criminal student defense attorney should be familiar with the ways in which the student will stand to be accountable without suffering harsh consequences that may not be warranted.
Community corrections programs are essentially residential centers that are less restrictive than prisons and include counseling and rehabilitation programs within the institution. These are considered the better detention centers for individuals who show the ability to rebuild their lives. The prison term imposed by the judge is served in this residential setting instead of jail or prison.
Utah Judges can impose penalties that include the participation in rehabilitation oriented programs in lieu of jail time. Judges have broad discretion into the circumstances warranting this type of punishment. A dedicated student criminal defense attorney will determine if these alternatives can be presented to the judge and work with parents, doctors, and other professionals who can establish that this type of penalty can be reasonably imposed. These include:
- Probation
- Community service
- Reparations
- Court-ordered addiction treatments or therapy
Criminal Defense Lawyers for Students at Salt Lake Community College Offering Free Consultations
The Overson law firm has an established practice dedicated to defending students charged with crimes and is known for a commitment to reaching the best possible results. Drew Overson and his dedicated team will fight for the rights of students, for reduction of penalties, alternatives to incarceration, reduced crime grade, and for complete dismissal of the charges if possible. Call (801) 515-0883 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
