What to Do if Your Out-of-State College Student Is Arrested in Columbia, MO

Do You Live Outside of Missouri, But Your Child Has Been Charged With a Crime in Boone County? Learn More From Haden & Colbert’s Criminal Lawyers

Watching your child enter a new stage of independence by attending college can be worrying, especially if they are planning to move out of your state to study. As a protective parent, it is understandable for your stomach to drop at the news that your student has been arrested, whether on or off-campus. Your first concern is probably their safety, and the second piece you want to know is what the cause of arrest was. Charges against a minor in Columbia, MO have a range of consequences depending on the severity of the crime, and it will be critical for you to seek legal advice before your child is at risk of jail time. 

Haden & Colbert has experience defending students at the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College, acting as a negotiator between the parents, the educational institution if necessary, and Boone County judges. See what you can do to help your out-of-state student today.

Learn more about the crime your child is charged with & what the laws are in Missouri

Your first step is to research everything you can about the charge your out-of-state student is facing, and how the state laws apply to their situation. The consequences can range from a cluster of fines to a felony conviction, depending on the crime, so both you and your child need to understand what is at stake. Several of the most common crimes among college students involve underage drinking or possession of alcohol. If your child has a minor in possession charge, a DUI, or is arrested for using a fake ID in Columbia, MO, the results can create obstacles for their future. Students may also be detained for issues on campus, such as disorderly conduct or a Title IX violation. The sooner you learn about the laws and regulations for minors in Missouri, the sooner you can seek help for your child.

Search for a Columbia, MO criminal law attorney to handle your college student’s case

After you have established the crime your child is being accused of, your next objective is to communicate with attorneys who practice in the matching area. If a college student has been charged with an alcohol-related offense in Boone County, you’ll want to consult criminal defense lawyers who focus on those types of cases. Once your choices start to narrow down, you will need to compare different firms based on their years of experience, their attention to detail in client consultations, how well they comprehend regional laws, and more. You should meet with a handful of criminal defense attorneys to understand their communication style before ultimately choosing who will represent your student.

Make sure your child knows their legal rights before attending college in Columbia, MO

Even when a student is under pressure from the police, there are rights entitled to your child following an arrest. Most importantly, they have permission to stay silent and avoid self-incrimination in the process, as stated in the Fifth Amendment. Until the court date, your child should always consult with their criminal law attorney before speaking with police officers or other parties. It is crucial to teach them about their right to the due process of law early and help prepare them for their college experience in Columbia, MO.

Offer your college student the emotional support they need while navigating the consequences

This can be an overwhelming time for your student, especially when outside of their home state. A big responsibility for you, the parent, is ensuring that they have emotional support to lean on. Maybe your child is dealing with underlying mental health problems, or they are grappling with a difficult situation. As they are growing and entering new environments, it can bring heaps of shame and anxiety when their decisions are questioned in Boone County courts. Having a consistent form of contact is important to them, and you can provide that necessary comfort. You can also support your student by leading the process of seeking and paying for legal representation. Research potential criminal law firms, keep your child updated along the way, and offer encouraging sentiment whenever possible. If you remain calm, the two of you and your lawyer can sooner organize a plan more seamlessly. 

Make Sure Your Child Doesn’t Feel Alone or Helpless. Contact Haden & Colbert to Meet Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving the Boone County Area

Navigating the legal system is challenging on its own, and it can be extra frustrating for a student attending the University of Missouri, Stephens College, or Columbia College out of state. When you put your trust in Haden & Colbert, we’ll make sure your child is granted their proper freedoms and safety while in Columbia, MO, whether they are accused of driving under the influence, carrying a fake ID, or consuming alcohol under the age of 21 years old. Our criminal lawyers have handled over 2,000 cases, and will review every aspect of your child’s case with consideration. 

Has your student recently been arrested, and do you want to preserve the best possible future for them? Don’t let an arrest permanently alter their criminal record. Reach out to the Haden & Colbert team today, and we will build their defense for the most ideal outcome in a local court.