Student Legal Services

Sending your children off to college is never an easy thing. While they are no longer children they certainly aren’t mature adults either. The first taste of real freedom can be an overwhelming experience for college age kids. It is also important to realize that it isn’t just the kids that struggled to get into college that find themselves in trouble. Young adults with impeccable backgrounds fall victim to their new found independence. All sorts of crimes can occur on college campuses. Drug crimes such as possession and trafficking are common. A young man who might misread the signals of his date could end up being charged with rape (sexual battery). Failing to return property could result in a grand theft charge. While theft is less serious any felony charge can destroy the future a promising individual. A felony conviction can cause a student to lose their scholarship or be expelled from school. The danger it may cause to potential future employment is even greater. For instance, a conviction of a sexual nature might force a student to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. A conviction for trafficking in any controlled substance can carry a mandatory/minimum sentence in Florida State Prison. This is why it is critically important to hire an experienced Clearwater college crime attorney to resolve the problem created by any potential criminal charge.

The University of Tampa has a high crime rate compared to other college campuses and the University of South Florida isn’t much better. College campuses in Clearwater can also experience high crime rates. Much of the problem is due to the fact that some of these college campuses neighbor areas with a very high crime rate. When you review the statistics you will find that the most common crimes reported at universities include:

• Forcible sexual assault
• Robbery
• Aggravated Assault
• Burglary
• Motor vehicle theft
• Underage drinking and DUI
• Drug crimes

There is nothing worse than seeing a bright young college student forced to face a serious criminal offense. Whether you are a college student or the parent of a college student you might feel that everything you or your child worked for is now gone. That does not have to happen! The right Clearwater criminal attorney can force the prosecutor to dismiss or reduce charges.

If your son or daughter has been charged with a crime you are probably in a great deal of despair over their future. Your child may be an honor student with an academic scholarship. Your child may have worked very hard through middle and high school just to get accepted to a certain college. A criminal charge does not have to mean an end to their future. Do not lose hope. Clearwater criminal lawyer Will Hanlon has a reputation for getting charges dismissed and reduced. His aggressive representation has protected the futures of thousands of clients.

Will Hanlon has over 20 years of experience defending a myriad of different criminal charges. He understands the obstacles faced by the student charged with a crime and the steps to take in order to remove the threat to his or her future. His years of defending the accused has earned him respect from prosecutors and judges alike. Each case requires an individualized defense. Aggressive talk accomplishes nothing without the knowledge and experience to get the job done.

The public defender’s office has very good attorneys but unfortunately their case load can make aggressive representation very difficult. Mr. Hanlon will devote the time and energy necessary to bring about the best possible result in your child’s case. The sooner Will Hanlon is able to represent your child the more likely he will be able to achieve the outcome necessary to preserve your son or daughter’s freedom and open doors that might be closed to a brighter future.