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A simple mistake can derail a promising college future

On Behalf of | Aug 22, 2016 | criminal defense |

It is no secret that the number of people in jail or prison across the country has skyrocketed since 1970. Many people sentenced to serve time behind bars have been convicted of drug crimes, including misdemeanor offenses. The U.S. population serving time has risen from roughly 300, 000 in 1970 to 2.2 million people, according to The New York Times. Many people sentenced to serve time behind bars have been convicted of drug crimes, including misdemeanor possession offenses. For years, pundits and politicians across the nation have voiced their concerns about the harsh, and often disproportionate, consequences of America’s drug laws.

A Drug Conviction Can Bring Harsh Consequences

With the start of the new school year, including classes opening this week at Black Hills State University, it is important to note that with any new environment there can be new pressures, as well as the desire for students to engage in new forms of self-exploration and experimentation. The recent New York Times article on drug policy in the U.S. includes a vignette about a college student on the East Coast who got swept into selling drugs to make some extra cash, and has been paying for it with his freedom for many years — ever since he was convicted of drug crimes.

Starting a new school year — and a new adventure — can be exciting, filled with hopes for the future. A simple error in judgment, simply being at the wrong party at the wrong time, or being swept into circumstances that just got out of control can quickly derail a college student’s future.

Being charged with a drug crime in South Dakota can bring serious, short- and long-term consequences, including:

  • A loss of freedom
  • Hefty fines
  • Intense probationary supervision
  • A loss of eligibility for financial aid
  • A loss of future job opportunities

Keeping the dream alive is an important concern for the future. For students at any level who are facing criminal allegations, the stakes are high. You do not have to face the prosecution alone. A criminal defense lawyer can review your unique circumstances and guide you through to obtain the most favorable results.