The call no parent ever wants to get: your son or daughter has been arrested while away at college. Immediately, your mind begins to race. What will this mean for their education? Their career? Their future?
Take a breath. We understand this is scary. You've put your all into raising them. Fortunately, it’s not the end. With the right legal strategy, your child’s possible mistake doesn’t have to follow them for the rest of their life.
Why Even “Minor” Charges Can Have Major Consequences
Some parents assume that charges like DUI, minor in possession of alcohol, or a fake ID are “just a rite of passage.” But in Mississippi, these charges can:
Lead to a permanent criminal record visible to employers and graduate schools
Trigger disciplinary action from the university or loss of scholarships
Cause driver’s license suspensions or fines
Jeopardize future professional licenses for careers like nursing, law, or teaching
A single conviction at age 18 can close doors for decades.
What You Can Do Right Now
Don’t let your child plead guilty without legal advice.
Prosecutors aren’t thinking about your child’s future—that's not their job. A good defense lawyer will focus on protecting your child's long-term opportunities.Act quickly.
Some options, like pretrial diversion or expungement, require timely action.Choose an attorney familiar with students and Mississippi courts.
College-town arrests often involve out-of-state parents and students unfamiliar with local laws. An experienced Mississippi lawyer can handle the process efficiently and discreetly.
How We Help Parents Protect Their Children’s Futures
At Eichelberger Law Firm, we’ve helped families across Mississippi navigate the fallout from college arrests. Our approach includes:
Minimizing public exposure to keep the charge out of the news and off social media
Exploring alternatives to conviction, such as pretrial diversion or deferred adjudication if a dismissal isn't likely under the facts
Pursuing expungement where possible to clear the record after resolution
Don’t Let One Mistake Define Their Life
You and your child have worked too hard for their future to be derailed by one bad decision. We can help you protect it.
Call us today at 601-202-9981 for a confidential consultation.