Having a record of a criminal conviction can have a long-lasting impact in your financial future. But for students attending Weber University, the implications of a criminal record can be far-reaching, especially in their jobs and career prospects. They can lose their job and face the possibility of jail and steep fines. Your son’s or daughter’s current employment can be at risk if he or she is convicted of a crime. Swift action may be necessary. With the right legal representation, your son or daughter can protect everything he or she has worked hard to achieve over the years.
Students of Weber University who are facing criminal charges should seek aggressive and high-quality student criminal defense legal representation. The accomplished criminal defense team of the Overson Law Firm will be committed to the long-term success of your son or daughter. Attorney Darwin Overson has decades of experience in criminal defense against felony and misdemeanor charges and high stakes crime. Call (801) 515-0883 to schedule a free consultation today.
Common Crimes Weber University Students Commit
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
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 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.
In Class B & C misdemeanor and infraction cases, service or unpaid work can be completed in lieu of paying a criminal fine. 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.
Reducing the Punishment of a Student Crime in Utah
Skilled Utah criminal defense representation requires an understanding of Utah’s Sentence and Release Guidelines. While an experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to prepare his client for all possible outcomes, there are ways for the case to be closed or dismissed. In addition, there are ways expunge the criminal charges down the road.
A dedicated criminal defense attorney should be proactive in seeking all viable alternatives to obtain the best possible result. Also, there are alternatives to imprisonment available in Utah, including:
Community Corrections
Community corrections programs allow convicts to complete their jail sentence in a correction center instead of jail.
Alternatives to Incarceration
A skilled criminal defense attorney should seek alternatives to imprisonment when medical treatments, community services, probation, and rehabilitation is appropriate. Attorney Darwin Overson is known for his efforts to work with professionals and seek probation and less harsh sentences when possible.
Erasing a Student Criminal Record in Utah
Sealing and expungement of records are ways to remove criminal charges from official records. Sometimes people who have criminal records can be denied student loans or jobs. Erasing criminal records can be extraordinarily helpful for students concerned about present and future opportunities for gainful employment and career advancement.
Expungement is available after the jail, or probation penalties are satisfied. If approved, expunged criminal records are treated as if they don’t exist. The overriding view is that past wrongs shouldn’t have a lasting impact. The record will be accessible only to certain public agencies. Effective legal representation can make a difference because expungements are discretionary– the judge can decide whether expungement is suitable, even when the crime is eligible for expungement. Also, there is a “waiting period” to qualify for expungement. The waiting period is a time to show rehabilitation. In Utah, you don’t have to pay for all fines and penalties in order to qualify for the waiting period. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate successfully through the process of expunging a criminal record.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Weber University Student Crimes Offering Free Consultations
The team of lawyers working at the Overson Law Firm is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of Weber University’s students facing criminal charges. 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.
