Understanding Misdemeanor Charges for College Students in Brazos County

Can a Misdemeanor Charge Get Me Expelled From College in Texas?

You may feel that being convicted for a misdemeanor, such as a DWI or drug possession charge in college, is not that serious, but you would be wrong.

Even being accused of a misdemeanor crime could end your college career and impact your future success. Every Texas college has its rules, but no schools take being charged and convicted of a crime lightly.

Also, the consequences differ; for example, one school may suspend you for a DWI charge, but a drug or sexually-based charge could mean immediate expulsion.

Additionally, suppose you are getting federal financial aid for your education. In that case, you may lose your right to grants, direct loans, and more if you’re convicted of a drug offense (whether a misdemeanor or a felony).

Even if you can complete your college degree, a misdemeanor (or felony) conviction will severely limit your future career and life opportunities.

So, the most significant fact to remember is that if you face a misdemeanor charge, don’t ever ignore it or take it lightly. Contact a skilled and experienced Central Texas criminal defense lawyer immediately.

They will analyze your case and, by getting ahead of the prosecution, work tirelessly to reduce or drop your charges. Your lawyer knows the seriousness of these situations and will do everything possible to avoid a conviction and minimize the impact of this situation on your schooling and your future.

Is a DWI Charge Usually a Misdemeanor or Felony Charge In Texas?

If you’re in college, partying is usually always a part of your life. Therefore, getting a DWI is among the most common charges students may face.

That said, whether you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor is a very important legal distinction. Let’s say you’re stopped and arrested for a DWI (driving while intoxicated) charge. You will have numerous legal concerns, and high on the list is whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony DWI.

A misdemeanor DWI charge can be bad enough, but a felony charge will carry much more severe punishment and current and future collateral consequences.

In Texas, even misdemeanor crimes (such as DWI) can carry severe consequences, including jail time, fines, suspension of your driver’s license, student aid repercussions, suspension or expulsion from school, and much more.

However, with the proper, professional, experienced, and fast-acting criminal defense lawyer, being arrested and charged does not necessarily mean you will be convicted of DWI. Also, if you are convicted, your punishment’s severity depends on many factors.

For example, is this your first DWI arrest or your third? What was your blood alcohol level, or was anyone injured?

You must know that even a misdemeanor arrest is never a straightforward legal situation. There are numerous uncertainties, all of which can affect your future education and career.

So, currently, and in this specific predicament, when you are arrested for a misdemeanor DWI (or any other crime), the most significant question is: what will you do about it?

Your future is on the line, and the best path to take is to obtain the professional, experienced advice and guidance of a Central Texas criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

The legal system moves slowly, but time is not on your side. The sooner your lawyer begins to act on your behalf, the better the chances they can mitigate the charges and penalties you may face.

As a College Student, What Is My Most Important Goal If I’m Arrested in Texas?

First, you must seek professional advice on your case, and your thorough, experienced criminal defense lawyer will explain that your most important goal is to avoid criminal prosecution and conviction. Your lawyer will fight to help you avoid a conviction on your DWI, possession of marijuana, or other charge. If this can be accomplished, you may eventually be eligible for an expungement of your case.

By expunging (aka expunction) your case, you will be cleared from your criminal arrest history; it’s as though it never happened.

So, when you graduate, look for a job, housing, credit, etc., your record will be clear. Also, when your case is expunged, even your mugshot is taken off the internet; this legal path is, by far, the best way to proceed.

However, you can’t expunge your case once convicted of the crime. However, you may still have options like “deferred adjudication.” Deferred adjudication can result in a non-disclosure order. This order will hide your criminal history from the public, and usually background checks, etc., but not from law enforcement and licensing agencies.

To avoid conviction, at times, going to trial is your best or only option. However, your highly professional and adept criminal defense lawyer will always try to negotiate a deal that avoids a conviction or mitigates your charges downward.

Usually, if your lawyer can avoid a conviction, you probably will have to do a great deal of upfront work, such as:

• Attending drug or alcohol classes.
• Doing community service for a court-mandated period.
• Paying fines and much more.

This whole process can be harrowing, and it may be tempting to accept your conviction and move on from this stressful ordeal. But as a student, you must consider your future.

In the long run, the stress and hassle are worth it. When you’re looking for a job or applying for a professional license, you’ll be thankful that you took the time to hire a diligent, well-versed criminal defense lawyer who will always attempt to avoid a criminal conviction and protect your future.

What Are Examples of Misdemeanor Charges and Consequences in Texas?

Most people believe that a misdemeanor charge is not that serious; this is never the case.

A “misdemeanor” is a criminal charge carrying up to one year of jail time in Texas.

These misdemeanors fall into one of three categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each category has distinct punishment ranges, from more severe to less serious.

For example:

• A Class A Misdemeanor can get you one year in jail and fines up to $4,000.
• A Class B misdemeanor can give you 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
• A Class C misdemeanor is usually just a fine of up to $500.

Admittedly, most misdemeanor charges are far less severe than felonies; they still can cost a lot of money and have a dire effect on your future. You can still lose your freedom and, more importantly, your education and your future success.

However, jail sentences and fines are not the only consequences you must consider in a student’s situation. Even a misdemeanor charge can follow you for the rest of your life if convicted.

This can affect your ability to continue or finish school, obtain suitable housing and loans, and possibly significantly affect the jobs you can receive.

In other words, one misdemeanor conviction could derail your future and an otherwise successful career. The simple truth is that if you’re a student charged with a misdemeanor in Texas, you must obtain qualified, aggressive, compassionate, and experienced legal counsel as soon as possible. These charges are serious and often complex to fight legally.

That said, obtaining professional legal help is the only rational way to ensure that your current education and future career can adequately be protected.

I’m a Student and have Been Charged with a Misdemeanor; How Should I Proceed?

Texas law is complex and, at times, harsh, and even a simple “prank” can sometimes cross the line and get you arrested on a misdemeanor charge. This is serious, and you don’t want a straightforward mistake negatively affecting your education and future.

Since 2011, the criminal defense lawyers at Shane Phelps Law have been empathetically and diligently helping college students strategize cutting-edge defenses against misdemeanor charges.

Call them today at 979-596-6843 for a free consultation on your unique case. Don’t hesitate, as your education and future success is on the line.