Arrested During College or High School in Corpus Christi: Protecting Your Education and Your Future

For students in Corpus Christi and throughout the Coastal Belt, an arrest can feel like the end of the world. Whether you attend Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Del Mar College, a local high school, or another institution, a criminal charge threatens not just your freedom but your education, your college applications, your financial aid, and your future career. A conviction can derail years of hard work and close doors that you have been working your whole life to open. But an arrest does not have to define your future. With the right defense strategy, you can protect your record, your education, and your dreams.

At Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we represent students throughout Corpus Christi and the Coastal Belt who are facing criminal charges. Whether you are a college student at TAMU-CC or Del Mar College, a high school student in the Corpus Christi Independent School District or surrounding districts, or a student at any other institution, we provide the knowledgeable, strategic representation you need to protect your education and your future. With extensive experience in criminal defense and a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing students, we guide our clients through every stage of the process.

The Unique Stakes for Students

For students, a criminal charge carries consequences that go far beyond the criminal court:

• College admissions: A criminal record can affect your ability to be admitted to college or graduate school

• Financial aid: Federal financial aid eligibility can be affected by drug convictions

• Academic standing: Many colleges have conduct codes that impose sanctions for criminal charges, including suspension or expulsion

• Scholarships: Scholarships often have good moral character requirements

• Study abroad: Many countries restrict entry for individuals with criminal records

• Professional licensing: A criminal record can affect your ability to obtain professional licenses later in life

• Employment: A criminal record can affect job applications for years to come

• Housing: Landlords often check criminal records before approving rental applications

For high school students, the stakes are equally high. An arrest can affect:

• College applications: Many colleges ask about disciplinary history

• Athletic eligibility: School sports teams may have conduct requirements

• Extracurricular activities: Clubs and organizations may have membership requirements

• Future employment: A record can affect job opportunities

Common Charges Facing Students

Certain types of charges are particularly common among students in Corpus Christi:

Alcohol-Related Offenses

• Minor in possession (MIP): Possession of alcohol by a minor

• DWI/DUI: Driving while intoxicated

• Public intoxication: Being intoxicated in public

• Providing alcohol to minors: Supplying alcohol to underage individuals

Drug Offenses

• Possession of marijuana or other controlled substances

• Possession of drug paraphernalia

• Delivery of controlled substances

• Prescription drug offenses

Theft and Shoplifting

• Shoplifting from local stores

• Theft from other students

• Credit card fraud

Assault

• Fighting or altercations

• Assault on other students

• Domestic violence in relationships

Disorderly Conduct

• Noise violations

• Disturbing the peace

• Trespassing

College Disciplinary Proceedings

When a college student is arrested, the institution typically conducts its own disciplinary proceeding, separate from the criminal case. These proceedings can result in sanctions even if the criminal case is resolved favorably.

The College Disciplinary Process

Most colleges have a student code of conduct that prohibits certain behaviors, including criminal offenses. When a student is arrested, the process typically follows these steps:

1. Notice: You receive notice of an alleged violation of the code of conduct

2. Investigation: The college investigates the alleged violation

3. Hearing: A hearing is held before a disciplinary panel or administrator

4. Decision: The panel determines whether a violation occurred and imposes sanctions

College Sanctions

Sanctions in college disciplinary proceedings can include:

• Warning: A formal warning

• Probation: A period of time during which further violations could result in more severe sanctions

• Suspension: Temporary removal from the college

• Expulsion: Permanent removal from the college

• Loss of housing: Removal from on-campus housing

• Loss of scholarships: Revocation of merit or athletic scholarships

Defending Against College Disciplinary Action

Defending against college disciplinary action requires a strategic approach:

• Understand the process: Each college has its own procedures

• Preserve evidence: Save emails, text messages, and other communications

• Do not speak without representation: Statements you make can be used against you

• Coordinate with criminal defense: The disciplinary case and criminal case are separate, but your defense should be coordinated

High School Disciplinary Proceedings

High school students face similar consequences. When a student is arrested, the school may impose disciplinary sanctions, including:

• Suspension: Temporary removal from school

• Expulsion: Permanent removal from school

• Alternative school placement: Assignment to a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP)

• Loss of extracurricular activities: Removal from sports teams, clubs, and other activities

• Loss of athletic eligibility: Potential loss of athletic scholarships or college recruitment

The Texas Education Code

Under the Texas Education Code, schools are required to impose certain disciplinary measures for specific offenses. For example:

• Felony charges: Schools may be required to expel students charged with certain felonies

• Drug offenses: Drug offenses may result in mandatory suspension or placement in a DAEP

• Assault: Assault offenses may trigger mandatory disciplinary actions

College Admissions and Criminal Records

A criminal record can affect your ability to be admitted to college. Many colleges ask on their applications whether you have been arrested or convicted of a crime.

Disclosing Criminal History

Colleges ask about criminal history for several reasons:

• Campus safety: To ensure the safety of other students

• Character assessment: To evaluate your character and judgment

• Compliance: To comply with federal and state requirements

If you have a criminal record, you must decide how to address it on college applications. Your attorney can help you:

• Understand what must be disclosed: Some colleges ask about arrests; others ask about convictions only

• Craft a response: A thoughtful, honest response can mitigate concerns

• Seek expungement or nondisclosure: Clearing your record can eliminate the need to disclose

The Common Application

The Common Application, used by hundreds of colleges, asks about criminal history. Understanding how to answer these questions is essential.

Financial Aid and Criminal Records

Federal financial aid eligibility can be affected by criminal convictions. Under federal law:

• Drug convictions: Students with drug convictions may be ineligible for federal student aid for a period of time

• Other convictions: Other convictions may affect eligibility for certain aid programs

FAFSA Requirements

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) asks about drug convictions. Answering dishonestly can result in loss of aid and potential criminal charges.

Expungement and Nondisclosure for Students

For students, expungement or nondisclosure of a criminal record can be the key to protecting your future.

Expungement

Expungement erases the record of an arrest or charge as if it never occurred. Expungement is available for:

• Arrests without charges

• Dismissed charges

• Acquittals

Nondisclosure

Nondisclosure (sealing) makes the record confidential for most purposes. Nondisclosure is available for:

• Deferred adjudication

• Certain convictions after a waiting period

Benefits for Students

Clearing your record can:

• Eliminate disclosure requirements: If there is no record, there is nothing to disclose

• Protect financial aid: Removing a drug conviction can restore financial aid eligibility

• Simplify college applications: You can answer “no” to questions about criminal history

Frequently Asked Questions About Students and Criminal Charges

Do I have to report my arrest to my college?

Most colleges require students to report arrests, particularly if they live in on-campus housing. Check your student handbook or code of conduct for specific requirements.

Can I be expelled for an arrest even if I am not convicted?

Yes. Colleges have their own conduct codes and standards of proof. A college can expel you based on conduct, even if the criminal case does not result in a conviction.

How does a drug conviction affect financial aid?

Under federal law, students with drug convictions may be ineligible for federal student aid for a period of time. The length of ineligibility depends on the number and type of convictions.

Can I still get into college with a criminal record?

Yes. Many colleges accept students with criminal records, particularly if the record is old, minor, or the student can demonstrate rehabilitation. Your attorney can help you craft an appropriate response.

What is the difference between expungement and nondisclosure?

Expungement destroys the record entirely. Nondisclosure seals the record but does not destroy it. Expungement is available for cases that did not result in conviction; nondisclosure is available for deferred adjudication and some convictions.

Should I tell my parents about my arrest?

If you are a minor, your parents will likely be notified. If you are over 18, you are not required to tell them, but it is often advisable to have their support. Your attorney can help you navigate this decision.

Can I be arrested at school?

Yes. School resource officers (police officers assigned to schools) can arrest students on school grounds. Additionally, schools can refer students to law enforcement for certain offenses.

What is a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP)?

A DAEP is a placement for students who have violated school conduct codes. Students are removed from their regular school and placed in an alternative setting for a period of time.

How does an arrest affect athletic scholarships?

Athletic scholarships often have good moral character requirements. An arrest can result in loss of scholarship eligibility or removal from athletic teams.

Do I need an attorney for a student-related criminal charge?

Yes. The consequences of a criminal charge for a student extend far beyond the criminal court. An experienced attorney can help you protect your education, your financial aid, and your future.

Why Barton & Associates Is the Right Choice for Students

Students facing criminal charges need more than a general criminal defense attorney. They need someone who understands the unique consequences that a criminal charge can have on education, financial aid, and future opportunities. At Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we have extensive experience representing students throughout Corpus Christi and the Coastal Belt.

Our attorneys understand the college and high school disciplinary processes, the requirements for expungement and nondisclosure, and the strategies for protecting your educational future. We work closely with our clients to develop defense strategies that address both the criminal case and the educational consequences.

We also understand that a single mistake should not define your future. Our attorneys approach these cases with compassion and dedication, helping our clients protect their education and their dreams.

Protect Your Education and Your Future Today

If you are a student facing criminal charges, your education and your future are on the line. Do not wait. The decisions you make now will determine whether you can continue your education, obtain financial aid, and pursue your career goals.

Contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Barton & Associates today. Call us directly at 361-800-6780 to speak with a member of our team. You may also complete the Free Consultation form on our website, and we will reach out to you promptly. Please note that all on-site consultations at our Corpus Christi office are by appointment only, ensuring that we can give your case the focused attention it requires.

Reach out today—let us help you protect your education and your future.

Main Category: Criminal Defense Corpus Christi
Practice Area Category: Military, Professional or Student
Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law
5110 Wilkinson Dr Suite 210, Corpus Christi, TX 78415
Office: 361-800-6780