Most parents hope their college-age kids do not get in trouble with the law. However, alcohol and lack of supervision can sometimes lead to criminal mischief.
Trouble with the law can have consequences for your child’s school career.
1. Expulsion from school
Most colleges and universities require students to agree to a code of conduct. That code of conduct may require the school to expel or suspend students convicted of crimes while enrolled. A criminal record may also make it more difficult for your child to gain admission to another school.
2. Restrictions on housing and extracurricular activities
If your child lives on campus, some criminal convictions may make your child ineligible to continue to live in student housing. Additionally, some private housing may have a rental agreement that gives the landlord the right to evict a tenant for certain criminal activity.
Your child’s school may also have rules that prohibit students with specific criminal convictions from participating in collegiate sports, school clubs and other extracurricular activities. This could not only decrease your child’s enjoyment of campus life but impact job opportunities.
3. Loss of financial aid
Some criminal convictions may cause your student to become ineligible for some types of federal financial aid. Additionally, if your child receives private scholarships, the organizations providing the scholarships may withdraw them.
College students face the same consequences as everyone else facing a criminal conviction. However, they may also face additional consequences related to attending college. It is important to discuss these potential consequences with your child before college enrollment begins.