Sending a child off to college is one of those mixed-emotion milestones in life. As a parent, you know you’ll miss your son or daughter and will worry while school is in session. On the other hand, you’ve invested many years into raising your child to be ready for this special time and are proud of his or her achievements. Understandably, there’s a period of adjustment for parents and students alike when a child begins college. Those who don’t adjust so well may face a variety of problems.
Troubling trends on today’s college campuses
You likely helped your child research various different colleges before choosing the one that best aligns with his or her goals. It’s no secret many schools include unhealthy environments that may not be in your son’s or daughter’s best interests. The following are some of the more troubling habits prevalent among many college students today:
- Binge drinking: Alcohol abuse on college campuses is nothing new. However, there seems to a rising trend in the amount of binge drinking that occurs. If your child gets into a predicament involving alcohol, he or she certainly won’t be the first, nor the last.
- Marijuana smoking: Especially with current events regarding legalization of this drug for medical and recreational purposes in many states, smoking marijuana has come back in style so to speak as a popular activity among young adults.
- Study drugs: This is a colloquial term given to certain prescription drugs such as Adderall (typically used to treat conditions like ADHD) used by students who do not have the conditions for which the drugs are generally prescribed. Many claim the effects of the drugs provide increased energy and awareness to help them study.
Plenty of students go through college without ever participating in these or other dangerous trends. However, many get involved with others who are trying different things, and wind up getting into trouble when they take part in such activities. Still, others who have not actually smoked pot, gotten drunk or taken illegal drugs have also faced legal trouble after being in the wrong places at the wrong times.
Getting that dreaded phone call
Imagine you’re at home, relaxing with a good book or enjoying a quiet meal with your spouse and the phone rings. You answer it. A police officer is on the line, informing you your son or daughter has been arrested and charged with a DUI or drug crime. Perhaps you don’t have to imagine such a phone call because you’ve already received one like it.
Like other parents who have faced similar circumstances, you may wonder where to turn for help. The ramifications of facing a criminal charge while in college are often immediate and long lasting. Authorities typically inform school administrators after a student’s arrest. In your son’s or daughter’s case, this could mean a suspension or expulsion from enrollment. As you try to help your child get his or her school career back on track, you may also want to contact a criminal defense lawyer who can
- Investigate the details of the situation to plan a strong defense strategy
- Carefully review the process by which the arrest took place to determine if any personal rights were violated
- Act on behalf of your child in all communication with law enforcement agents and court officials
- Present an aggressive defense to fight against the charges to hopefully help your child avoid conviction
An attorney experienced in helping college students facing charges for DUI or drug crimes understands your situation and knows that your child’s well-being is of paramount importance to you. By acting alongside this type of representation you increase your child’s chances of obtaining a positive outcome.