Experienced Salt Lake City College Student Crimes Lawyer

Students from the University of Utah, Utah State University, Weber State University, Salt Lake Community College and other public and private colleges and universities may be charged with a variety of crimes, including:

• Drug possession
• Underage drinking
• DUI
• Disorderly conduct
• Assault for fighting
• Sex crimes
• Other serious offenses

Police, including campus police, resident assistants and other authority figures may also conduct dorm room searches that result in criminal charges. As a Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer, I will use my experience to advise you on what you are facing, whether there may be any type of diversion program available and whether the charges can be expunged from the criminal record.

A criminal charge is a serious matter for any person. But for a college student, a criminal conviction can significantly damage his or her education, career and future. A criminal record may limit or prevent access to financial aid and make it more difficult to get a job in the future. It is important that you protect your rights, or the rights of your child, after an arrest for a crime in Utah.

I am Salt Lake City criminal law defense attorney Catherine Cleveland. At the Cleveland Law Firm, I provide an experienced defense to college students facing criminal or juvenile charges throughout Salt Lake City. For many young adults who are of college age, this may be the first involvement with the criminal justice system. The fear of an arrest forever limiting their opportunities is tremendous. While providing criminal defense for the criminal charges, I will provide effective options to limit any future harm.

Consequences Beyond the Courtroom

When a college student in Salt Lake City is charged with a crime, the fallout often stretches far beyond the legal process. Schools usually conduct their own investigations, 

which means students can face disciplinary action even if charges are reduced or dismissed in court. In some cases, this might mean a suspension; in more serious situations, expulsion

 is on the table. These actions can happen fast and may not offer the same protections or fairness that the legal system requires. 

Even a single criminal charge can cause serious trouble outside the classroom. Scholarships might be pulled, housing could be lost, and future job options may narrow—especially with background checks in play. Grad schools often take these things into account too, even if the situation was minor or got resolved quietly. It’s the kind of issue that can quietly follow someone for a long time.

If you or your child is facing this situation, speaking with a Salt Lake City college students crimes lawyer as soon as possible can make all the difference—protect your future before it’s defined by a single mistake.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

Having an attorney who understands both the legal system and the college environment can make a huge difference. A skilled Salt Lake City college students crimes lawyer knows how to step in early—sometimes before formal charges are even filed—and can work directly with university officials to influence how a disciplinary case unfolds. This might mean pushing for a lesser penalty, delaying action until the legal case is resolved, or even getting the issue dropped altogether.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can also explore options for keeping a student’s record clean. In Utah, certain cases may qualify for expungement or sealing, which prevents the charge from showing up in most background checks. If the circumstances allow, your attorney might also be able to push for alternative outcomes—like a pretrial diversion program or deferred adjudication—that avoid a conviction and clear the path to expungement later on.

Ultimately, the goal is to keep a mistake from defining someone’s future. A good attorney doesn’t just fight the charges—they look at the big picture. That means protecting your academic standing, your reputation, and your ability to move forward with your life and career.

Know Your Rights as a Student

If you’re a student facing a police investigation or criminal accusation, there are a few rights you need to remember. First, you don’t have to talk. The right to remain silent applies just as much on campus as it does anywhere else. Whether it’s campus police or administrators asking questions, you can—and often should—choose not to answer until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

You also have the right to an attorney, and you should use it. Don’t assume that because the issue is happening at school it’s not serious. Even casual conversations with university staff can be used in disciplinary hearings or shared with law enforcement. If you’re approached for questioning, your best move is to politely decline to speak and immediately contact a college students crimes lawyer who knows how to navigate both school policies and criminal law.