Going to college is generally associated with finding yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone. This is mainly due to students being away from their parents for the first time. With less supervision and guidance than they are used to, some students end up abusing alcohol making severe mistakes. These mistakes could include anything from failing classes to committing crimes, like assault.
Explaining the legal consequences
An assault conviction in Georgia means you could face misdemeanor or felony charges. Generally, assault is classified as a misdemeanor. Depending on the severity of your actions, you could face the following penalties:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Jail time up to one year
If the judge gives you a jail sentence of six months or less, you might have the option to serve your time on the weekends or while you are not working. Courts typically reserve this for first-time offenders who have clean criminal records.
College disciplinary measures
Besides the consequences you might face from local authorities, your college could hand you down a punishment as well. Your university’s disciplinary board could take any of the following actions:
- Expulsion
- Suspension
- Academic probation
- Cancellation of financial aid
These consequences can leave a lasting impact on your life. Being forced out of school can affect your chances of enrolling in a new university. Expulsion can also impact your ability to find a job in the future.
Attempting to defend yourself from an assault charge can be challenging. Getting in touch with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can help you understand all the details of your situation. Your attorney will come up with a legal defense strategy to help mitigate potential penalties.