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College Student Defense

How to Hire the Right College Student Defense Lawyer

By December 3, 2024No Comments

Parents often face challenges when it comes to hiring a college student defense lawyer. It’s not always clear what type of lawyer to seek out, especially if the college student is dealing with disciplinary proceedings on campus that do not involve a court of law.

An experienced defense attorney can assist with navigating the bail process, preparing for court dates, and developing a strong defense strategy. In the best-case scenario, they might even help get the student’s charges dropped.

However, it’s also crucial to defend the student’s academic future against the university’s disciplinary charges, and hiring a student defense attorney who can guide your child through every step of the process can make a significant difference.

At DC Student Defense, led by attorney Shan Wu, we understand the importance of finding the proper legal support when a student’s academic future is at stake. 

Why Is It Important to Hire a Student Defense Lawyer?

Facing disciplinary proceedings can have a significant impact on a student’s life. A student defense lawyer can help safeguard their rights and protect their future opportunities by ensuring they receive fair treatment in legal settings and university hearings.

What to Consider When Choosing a Student Defense Attorney

So, how do you determine which lawyer to hire and who will effectively represent your college student? Here are the top three things to look for when you’re hiring a college student defense lawyer:

1. Experience with College Student Defense Hearings

First and most importantly, you want to find a lawyer who has handled college student defense hearings.

You don’t want a general employment lawyer, a typical criminal defense lawyer, or even a civil litigator. College students facing disciplinary charges often have more at stake than just criminal penalties. They may face disciplinary actions from the university that could impact various aspects of their academic life and privileges, such as:

That’s why you need an attorney who has been inside a Student Conduct hearing or academic violations hearing and understands how these processes work.

3. Background in Criminal Defense

Lastly, it’s beneficial to choose a lawyer with a background in criminal defense.

There is always a risk of potential criminal charges, depending on the severity of your student’s situation. A skilled student defense lawyer can help minimize this risk while defending the student’s interests in both university and legal settings.

This balance requires the finesse of an attorney who is experienced in both fields—criminal defense and student defense—an essential combination for achieving the best outcome.

How Can a Student Defense Attorney Help During Disciplinary Hearings?

A student defense lawyer provides critical support during disciplinary hearings, which can be intimidating for students and their families. Here’s how an attorney can assist in these settings:

  1. Reviewing University Policies: A lawyer can help interpret and apply the specific policies and rules that the university follows during disciplinary hearings.
  2. Preparation for Testimony: They can guide the student on what to expect and how to present their side of the story effectively.
  3. Advocating for Fair Treatment: They ensure that the student’s rights are respected throughout the process.

What Are the Potential Risks of Not Hiring a Student Defense Lawyer?

Choosing not to hire a lawyer for a student facing serious charges could result in:

  • Unfair disciplinary actions that could have been challenged.
  • Missed opportunities for negotiation that could have led to reduced penalties.
  • A lack of proper defense in situations where criminal charges might arise.

Contact DC Student Defense for Your Student Today

Attorneys with experience, a deep understanding of academic environments, and a background in criminal defense can provide the protection your family needs in a student defense case. Our student defense attorneys have all three and are ready to offer compassionate and knowledgeable support if your college student is facing a conduct or academic violation hearing.

Contact us at 855-965-3253 to schedule an initial consultation, and let’s start building a strong defense against the charges.

Shan Wu

Author Shan Wu

Shan’s professional and personal background gives him a unique understanding of academic institutions and the criminal justice system. A former federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C., he is at home in D.C. Courts and very familiar with all of the Washington, D.C. law enforcement agencies, especially the Metropolitan Police Department. His parents were university professors so he grew up in a university environment. He understands the mindset of academic institutions. As a prosecutor, he supervised in the misdemeanor crime section. This is the section of the Washington, D.C. prosecutor’s office that handles most college student cases. His understanding of charging decisions and how judges view these cases is invaluable to his student clients and their families. Shan served as a federal prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia for over ten years. During his tenure there, now Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. appointed him to supervisory positions in the Misdemeanor Trial Section and also in a police corruption task force. His outstanding legal work in the government was recognized through numerous Special Achievement Awards from the Justice Department as well as awards conveyed by law enforcement agencies and community groups. From 1999-2000, Shan served as Counsel to Attorney General Janet Reno, advising her on criminal and civil investigations, E-Gov, E-Commerce (electronic signatures, internet gambling, internet telephony, privacy & public access issues in electronic court filings), congressional oversight, and legislative review. His responsibilities included serving as liaison to the FBI, DEA, Criminal Division, Executive Office of United States Attorneys, National Institute of Justice, and White House Counsel’s Office. Shan serves on the D.C. Bar Association’s Hearing Committee of the Board on Professional Responsibility and is a past president of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association for the Greater Washington, D.C. area. He is a 1988 graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, where he graduated Order of the Barristers, edited two law reviews, and was Co-Director of the Moot Court Program. He holds a B.A. in English Literature from Vassar College as well as a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. Following law school, he clerked for the late Hon. Jerry Buchmeyer, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, and the late Eugene Wright, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia and Connecticut.

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