We all made dumb choices when we were younger, but sometimes those poor decisions spiral out of control and lead to criminal charges. We find that this is particularly common among high school students who are dealing with peer pressure and the expanded freedom that comes with getting their driver’s license. If you’re in high school and you’re facing criminal charges, or you’re a parent of a high school student and you’re wondering how to sort out a legal mess they’ve gotten into, know that it’s oftentimes worth talking to a lawyer.
It may sound extreme to bring a lawyer into the situation, but you’d be amazed at all the ways your child can be negatively affected by a criminal conviction. There’s the obvious financial implications and potential increases to your insurance rates, but there’s so much more to it. We explore why you should consult professional legal assistance if your high school student is facing criminal charges in today’s blog.
My High School Student Was Arrested
Even though the majority of criminal charges that are brought against high school-aged kids aren’t serious in the sense that they are often victimless/non-violent crimes (think speeding, underage drinking, vandalism), that doesn’t mean they will get off with a slap on the wrist. Aside from potential penalties with their high school or any sports teams they are playing on, certain criminal convictions can cost them scholarships, acceptance into the college of their dreams, and it can make the process of applying for a future job or housing much more complex when they are asked about their criminal history.
The problem that many families in this situation run into is that they just want to put the problem behind them as soon as possible. Whether it’s because they don’t want word getting around the community or they want it wrapped up so they can dole out their own punishments, we’ve encountered many parents who just want their child to plead guilty and move on from the incident. The issue here is that when you plead guilty, you’re putting a mark on your permanent record, and your punishment is in the hands of the judge. You may think they’ll go easy on them, but there’s no guarantee, and now your child may be without a license or even have to spend some time in jail because they weren’t granted leniency. Don’t let your desire to move on from an embarrassing incident cost you dearly down the road.
Instead, take a minute, collect your thoughts and make a smart decision to contact a lawyer. At a minimum, they can explain what lies ahead, what penalties your child could face, and what they believe you should do next. We offer free case evaluations for just this reason. You’ve probably never been in this position before, so don’t rush to a decision. Consult with a professional, learn your options, and if you want to move forward with us by your side, we’d be glad to take you on as a client.
We know you’re angry or scared, but don’t let that cloud your judgment. Know that the stakes are high and you need to plan your next steps carefully. If you want some assistance with that process, give Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm a call today at (952) 224-2277.
