The University of Northern Colorado has over 13,000 students enrolled in their campus near Greeley. No doubt, many of these students come from all over Weld County including the cities of Milliken, Erie, and Eaton and all over Colorado and the United States. College is a time when young people are often stressed, exhausted, and experiencing their first taste of freedom all at the same time. It can be a crazy place. Unfortunately, some students may take this new found freedom too far or act out because of those stress levels. Many students may partake in underage drinking (MIP), be caught drinking and driving (DUI – CRS 42-4-1301), or engage in behavior that could lead to dangerous sex crime charges like felony sexual assault (CRS 18-3-402).
If you are arrested for underage partying, caught with drugs, or accused of sexual assault, it is serious business. Aside from criminal penalties, many schools revoke scholarships, expel you from dorm life, or put you on probation. The law does not leave much room for youthful mistakes. Many students get caught up in the party atmosphere in college and do not realize they run the risk of facing serious criminal charges that could derail their plans for higher education.
Combinations of drinking, drugs, and little supervision cause many young people to lose their way and make a mistake in college, resulting in a life-long criminal record. Committing a crime while you are in college can be very devastating to your future career aspirations and academic goals. The average college freshman is over eighteen, and able to be charged as an adult. Behavior that they may have engaged in in high school as a juvenile or minor is treated quite differently after they turn eighteen.
If police contact you regarding criminal charges and you are worried about their effect on your academic career, contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.