College Mistakes Can Follow You

College students can get into trouble in various ways, but when a criminal charge is involved, the consequences can be serious. Many students and parents worry about the impact that a criminal record will have on a student’s future with regard to job prospects, graduate or professional school admission, or military enlistment.

Shawn P. Hammond and Associates, is skilled at finding solutions that greatly reduce the impact of student offense charges. He is highly responsive to the needs and concerns of parents and students, remaining available by cellphone even after our office is closed.

Knowing The Stakes Of What’s Ahead

Shawn provides representation to students from schools in the Augusta area, including Augusta University, Paine College and Augusta Technical College in matters involving:

• DUI misdemeanors
• Sex offense allegations
• Petty theft, shoplifting and larceny charges related to dormitories, college property and off-campus areas
• Assaults, bar fights and party-related problems
• Underage drinking, minor consumption and fake ID use
• Drug offenses, including possession of marijuana and cocaine, and distribution charges
• Weapons offenses

If your child has been charged with a crime on campus or a student offense, talk to an experienced defense lawyer who understands how to handle college and student offenses in this part of Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Campus Crimes In Georgia

When students face criminal allegations, their reputations, stress levels and futures are immediately impacted. Attorney Shawn has compiled the following answers to help navigate this situation:

How can a criminal charge affect a student’s future?

In Georgia, even a misdemeanor can lead to suspension, expulsion, loss of scholarships and long-term academic holds. Beyond campus, a criminal record may appear on background checks for internships, grad schools or jobs. While each case plays out differently, Georgia institutions take allegations involving students seriously, especially when public safety or drug use is involved.

Can a college student be charged with a crime both by the university and the state of Georgia?

Yes. Disciplinary processes on campus are separate from the state’s legal system. A student may face internal consequences from the university while also being prosecuted under Georgia law. These are two distinct processes with separate outcomes. Students in Georgia should be aware of the following differences:

• Universities enforce their own conduct codes, not the state’s criminal laws.
• Criminal charges may lead to jail time or fines, while school penalties often include suspension or expulsion.
• Campus hearings usually do not follow formal legal procedures.
• You can be found “responsible” by a school even if acquitted in court.
• Sanctions from both processes can occur simultaneously.

Recognizing these differences equips students to handle each process legally and effectively.

How do campus disciplinary actions differ from criminal charges?

University hearings typically follow a code of conduct, not the criminal code. These proceedings often lack the legal protections found in a courtroom, such as strict rules of evidence or the presumption of innocence. Decisions are usually based on a “preponderance of the evidence,” not “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

That said, what happens in a campus hearing can still have major consequences. In Georgia, schools are given wide latitude to discipline students, even in cases where criminal charges are dropped.

Will my parents be notified if I am arrested for a crime on campus in Georgia?

Generally, no. When a student is over 18, they are legally an adult. Georgia law protects student privacy, and unless the student consents or there is an emergency, parents are not automatically notified. However, certain universities may have policies that encourage communication if a student’s status or housing is at risk. Criminal charges, of course, are public record and may come to light regardless.

An Attorney With Real Experience Representing College Students

Attorney Shawn Hammond, a graduate of the former Augusta State University, has been practicing defense law in local courts since 1996. Mr. Hammond is known for being aggressive in protecting his clients’ legal rights and working to minimize the consequences of a criminal charge. Contact the firm for assistance with your situation. Shawn can be reached at 706-993-2785. He will be happy to answer your questions.