Avoid Criminal Conviction as a College Student

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Avoid Criminal Conviction as a College Student

Admin • Jun 28, 2021

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For many students, college years provide the best time of life to explore and test boundaries. Unfortunately, some activities college students engage in result in an arrest or even a criminal conviction. If you want to avoid legal trouble when you attend college, pay close attention to these common crimes committed by college students.

Marijuana Possession

For many college students in different places, marijuana is not a big deal. In Tennessee, the law sees things a bit differently. In Tennessee, marijuana possession is a misdemeanor if you have less than half an ounce, but you could still face time in jail if the court convicts you of a crime. Paraphernalia is also a crime punishable by jail time and fines.

In the past, a third conviction of marijuana possession was a felony, but a 2016 ruling changed the law. Now, subsequent convictions to misdemeanors instead of felonies. This is good for college students who are caught with marijuana multiple times, but you still want to avoid these consequences.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting and other types of theft are also common crimes college students commit or are accused of. Different motivations lead to theft for different people, such as lack of money or searching for a thrill or rush of adrenaline. This can be a serious crime either way, however.

In Tennessee, individuals convicted of shoplifting face punishments relative to the value of the items stolen. For example, theft is a misdemeanor if the value of the items is $500 or less. Cases in which the value of the goods stolen is higher than $500 result in a felony charge and possible mandatory prison sentence. This all depends on the value of everything stolen, but the punishment can reach a class A felony.

Assault

When alcohol flows freely at parties and college bars, tempers flare more easily than usual. As a result, college students get into fights with bar patrons and even other college students. The resulting charges from these fights may include assault, which can also include threats and attempts of physical harm.

Tennessee typically charges assaults as a misdemeanor for which you could face time in jail and fines. Additionally, the judge can order you to pay restitution to the victim of the assault, which includes the costs associated with property damage and medical bills.

In cases of assault, the target of the violence matters. If you fight with a police officer, you could face an escalated charge. If you fight with a roommate or family member, you may face a domestic violence charge. None of these charges are things college students, or anyone, should deal with, so you want to be careful.

DUI

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a common crime, and college students leaving parties face charges associated with this crime regularly. When you drive while intoxicated, you're incredibly dangerous and this could lead to serious injury or death.

According to the Department of Safety & Homeland Security, for a first-time offense, you face between two days and one year in jail. The court may also revoke your driver's license, order you to pay a fine or restitution, and add an ignition interlock device to test your BAC every time you start your car. Additional fees also apply.

If you are convicted of subsequent DUI offenses, you face additional penalties. The mandatory minimum penalties, including the length of jail time and the cost of fines, increase with each DUI you receive. If you get a fourth DUI, you face a felony.

For many reasons, college students want to avoid criminal convictions, especially because it could mean they are kicked out of school.

The Law Office of Joe R. "Jay" Johnson II offers criminal defense services throughout Tennessee. Call our office today to discuss your legal defense so you can avoid difficult legal consequences.

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