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Facing criminal charges as a college student can be one of the most frightening experiences of your life. In addition to the stress of navigating Michigan’s criminal justice system, you may also face consequences from your university, including suspension, expulsion, or loss of financial aid. Understanding how these cases are handled and taking immediate action with legal representation can make a critical difference in your future.
At Ben Hall Law, our East Lansing criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience representing students at Michigan State University and colleges across the state. Led by a former police officer and prosecutor, Attorney Ben Hall and his team know how to protect both your legal rights and your academic standing.
A criminal charge can have long-lasting effects that go far beyond the courtroom. Depending on the allegations, your school may initiate its own disciplinary process separate from the criminal case. This means that even if charges are dropped or reduced, your college could still impose penalties.
Common charges involving students include:
Each of these can carry criminal penalties, such as fines, probation, or jail time, and can also impact your education, housing, and future career opportunities.
If you are arrested, it’s essential to remain calm and exercise your rights. Do not attempt to explain your side of the story to police or university officials without first speaking to an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in court or during a university disciplinary hearing.
Key steps to follow include:
Taking these steps early helps prevent mistakes that can complicate your defense.
Most Michigan colleges have student codes of conduct that require adherence to state and federal laws. When a student is charged with a crime, the school may impose disciplinary action even before the criminal case concludes.
Possible academic consequences include:
These penalties can occur regardless of whether you are ultimately convicted. For that reason, your attorney must coordinate a defense strategy that protects your standing both in court and at school.
At Ben Hall Law, we understand the unique pressures that college students face when charged with a crime.
We work quickly to:
Our goal is to help you move forward with your education and career without the burden of a criminal conviction.
Being charged with a crime as a college student does not have to define your future. With skilled legal guidance, it is often possible to reduce or avoid penalties while preserving your education and reputation.
At Ben Hall Law, our East Lansing criminal defense attorneys have years of experience representing students throughout Michigan. We take a compassionate yet strategic approach to protecting your rights, your record, and your future.
If you or your child is a college student facing criminal charges in Michigan, call 877-BEN-HALL (877-236-4255) or contact us online for a confidential consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and fight to keep your education and future on track.
Benjamin J. Hall has proudly served both his community and country. He spent 5 years in the Marine Corps, including a tour in Iraq, and later worked nearly 10 years in law enforcement while attending law school. Ben has also been featured in local and national media, sharing insights on Michigan’s child protective services and offering a veteran’s perspective on 9/11.
“Mr. Hall was a huge help. Being a former police officer and a former prosecutor was evident in his knowledge of both traffic and criminal laws. Even when I was willing to accept an initial plea deal, he knew that there was so little evidence against me that we should counter the offer. I went from a potential criminal case to a fine and 0 points. I could not be happier with my outcome. Thank you Mr. Hall!”
Anonymous“I had an excellent experience with this law office. Ben Hall was able to handle my situation promptly and thoroughly, I was thankful we were able to avoided the hassle of going to court. I was looking for housing and if that isn’t an overwhelming task in itself, once I found a place that had vacancies they did not want to allow my support dog and the lady responsible for processing my application began sending me in circles and improperly handled the application process. It was to the point I didn’t think I was going to get housing when I contacted Ben Hall. He dove right in and explained to me the process and options and he guided me how to proceed and also contacted the housing development and let them know what their options were and how this was going to go if they continued to unjustly process my application… I received housing promptly with no further issues! So thankful for this option to pay such a minimal fee to have a lawyer in your corner and build a relationship with them. In a world were nothing is for sure it is a comfort to have such ease of access with this law office.”
Melinda“Ben was very generous with his time and expertise. He asked straightforward questions and offered excellent options to meet our objectives. Amazing turn around on short deadlines. We needed a legal opinion dealing with a conflict of interest on a local school board. WOW! Ben really understood the issues andbour concerns. He produced an amazing 8 page opinion in in a weeks time. And he worked with us on minimizing legal fees.”
DaveFacing criminal charges as a college student can be one
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