Some Floridians might believe that the most serious crimes which happen on college campuses involve alcohol or recreational drug use at parties.
Indeed, recreational drug use and alcohol often contribute to campus crimes. However, statistics paint a picture of campus crime that is much darker than the depiction of college campuses as places where parties might just get out of hand from time to time.
Many different types of serious crimes get reported on college campus, including sexual assaults, break-ins, car thefts and other “aggravated” physical assaults.
Robberies and arson also make up a small but still statistically significant percentage of campus crimes.
No college student wants to be the victim of one of these crimes. Everyone should feel safe when they pursue their higher education.
On that same note, though, no student should have their lives and careers derailed by a false or exaggerated criminal case like the type that commonly get reported on college campuses.
Even students who have made a serious mistake, perhaps while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, often deserve a chance to rebuild their lives.
But many of these common campus crimes are also felonies that can land a Florida student in prison for years.
Moreover, even if they are spared significant jail time, a felony conviction will often make it very difficult for college students to remain enrolled in school, stay in student housing or receive federal student aid.
As many in the West Palm Beach area know, criminal convictions also can make it harder for a person to find a good paying job or pursue other important personal opportunities.
College students accused of any sort of crime should understand their options
A college student accused of any crime, but especially of a felony offense, should make sure they understand their legal options and alternatives.
Often, it is good for students to resist the urge to just get the matter over with by a quick guilty plea. Accepting the consequences of a criminal charge out of the gate can be a short-term gain but long-term loss.