Defending College Students’ Freedoms And Futures

Last updated on June 23, 2026

Going off to college is an opportunity for young people to push the boundaries and see how much they can grow as individuals. However, sometimes, pushing the boundaries too far can lead to legal trouble. When Florida college students are faced with criminal charges, the The Rudman Law Group strive to shield them from the fallout and help them retain their bright futures.

The Rudman Law Group represents college students facing criminal charges in Broward and Palm Beach Counties, as well as Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and the communities nearby.

What Types Of College Criminal Issues Can The Rudman Law Group Help With?

Attorney Douglas J. Rudman has helped students from Lynn University, Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Palm Beach State College (PBSC) and beyond to fight a wide range of criminal charges, including:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI): He will fight to protect your driving privileges and reduce the risk of jail time.
• Underage possession of alcohol: A minor-in-possession conviction can trigger an automatic driver’s license suspension.
• Felony charges for fake identification (ID) cards: Possessing or manufacturing a fraudulent ID is classified as a third-degree felony.
• Drug possession: Attorney Rudman will thoroughly challenge illegal police searches to defend students against charges.
• Sexual assault: These high-stakes allegations require an immediate, aggressive defense to protect you from life-altering consequences.
• Indecent exposure: Often resulting from a misunderstanding or a lapse in judgment at a party, this charge carries severe social stigma and lasting criminal consequences.
• Theft: Attorney Rudman will help you craft defense strategies focused on high-stakes grand theft charges.
• Burglary: Entering a dorm room, apartment or vehicle without permission to commit an offense is legally defined as burglary in Florida.
• Title IX: Attorney Rudman will provide crucial legal guidance throughout the university’s internal investigation and disciplinary hearing process to ensure your rights are protected.

In addition to criminal charges, students may be facing disciplinary consequences from their academic institutions.

What Should A College Student Do Immediately After Being Arrested?

If you are arrested, you must take immediate action to protect both your freedom and your academic future. Keep these steps in mind:

• Exercise your right to remain silent: Do not answer police questions or explain your side of the story without an attorney present.
• Contact a criminal defense lawyer: Retain legal counsel immediately to manage both the criminal court process and school disciplinary boards.
• Avoid social media updates: Never post about the incident online or discuss the details of your arrest with anyone except your lawyer.

Taking these precise steps early on may help you build a strong foundation for your defense.

Will Your Or Your Child’s University Find Out About An Arrest?

There is a strong probability that the university will find out about the arrest, even if the incident occurred entirely off campus. Florida law enforcement agencies frequently share arrest data directly with campus police departments, and booking information immediately becomes a matter of public record.

Additionally, most institutions enforce strict Student Codes of Conduct that explicitly require students to self-report any criminal charges within a few days of the arrest. Hiding the incident is rarely successful, as universities actively monitor local court dockets, news outlets and jail databases.

Can You Seal Or Expunge A Criminal Record From College?

Fortunately, you can often seal or expunge a college criminal record, provided your case meets specific statutory requirements. Whether you qualify for this legal relief depends entirely on the final disposition of your charges and your prior criminal history.

You can petition to expunge your record if the prosecutor dropped your charges, the judge dismissed your case or you successfully completed a pretrial diversion program. An expungement results in the physical destruction of your arrest record by law enforcement agencies and the court system.

If you entered a plea of guilty or no contest but the judge ultimately withheld adjudication, you may be eligible to seal your record instead.

The Effects Of A Criminal Conviction In College

Beyond the legal ramifications of a criminal conviction, like jail time, fines or required registration as a sex offender, students can expect to face consequences at school. These include:

• Suspension
• Expulsion
• Revoked degrees
• Disciplinary hearings
• Code of conduct violations
• Loss of financial assistance or athletic scholarship

Being convicted of a crime in college could alter the course of a young person’s life forever. Prompt intervention from a skilled, experienced legal advocate is crucial in minimizing the damage.

Talk To A College Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you are a college student facing a criminal charge or the parent of one, attorney Rudman is here to help you. Start your journey toward a brighter future by arranging a consultation with the firm. Call its Boca Raton office at 561-593-2366 or send the firm a message through its website to schedule your appointment.