How One Smart Move Can Save a College Career

🎓 Same School. Same Charge. Very Different Futures.

Two students at the same university.
Both were arrested for simple possession of marijuana in a dorm room.
No prior arrests. No violence. Just a single mistake — and two completely different outcomes.

One ends up suspended, on probation, and struggling to transfer.
The other completes a counseling program and walks away with no record.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we've helped countless college students in Ruston and across North Louisiana preserve their future — not just their freedom — after a drug arrest. And what we've learned is this:

Your first move matters. And your lawyer matters more.

⚖️ Scenario A: Counseling, Dismissal, and Academic Continuation

Emma is a first-year Louisiana Tech student. Caught with less than 14 grams of marijuana. Campus police arrest her, but she's released and given a summons. She tells her parents — and they call a lawyer that same day.

🔍 What We Do:

• Engage with the DA and the university before any formal charge or discipline begins

• Arrange for voluntary counseling and clean drug screening

• Secure pretrial diversion or dismissal

• Coordinate directly with the university to protect academic standing

• File for expungement within 3–6 months

✅ Outcome:

• No criminal conviction

• No academic suspension

• Record cleared

• Still eligible for federal aid, internships, and graduate school

❌ Scenario B: Suspension, Probation, and Public Record

Jared is also a freshman. Same charge. But:

• He doesn't tell anyone until after his court date

• He pleads guilty without understanding the consequences

• He fails to notify the school — until they find out through the arrest report

• His financial aid is affected, and he's placed on academic probation

• His conviction is public record and ineligible for expungement for 5 years

🚫 Consequences:

• Suspension from classes

• Loss of scholarships and campus housing

• Criminal record visible to future schools and employers

• Missed opportunity to resolve the case before it spiraled

🧠 The Lesson: Students Don't Just Need a Lawyer — They Need an Advocate

In college towns like Ruston, a drug charge isn't just a legal problem — it's an academic one.

Universities often:

• Have zero-tolerance drug policies

• Review arrests even without a conviction

• Trigger disciplinary hearings separate from court

• Deny housing, financial aid, and study-abroad opportunities

⚠️ A small charge can derail a degree. Unless you know how to respond strategically.

🛡️ How Lawrence Law Firm Protects Students

We:

• Step in quickly after arrest

• Fight for diversion, dismissal, or non-conviction outcomes

• Communicate with the school to minimize disciplinary action

• Protect your child's ability to stay enrolled, graduate, and move forward

• Handle expungements as soon as legally eligible

📞 One Arrest Doesn't Have to End an Academic Career

📞 Call 318.232.4000 to speak with a criminal defense attorney who defends college students across Ruston and North Louisiana.
🖥️ Or [schedule your confidential consultation] now.

Protect the degree. Protect the record. Protect the future.

🔜 Coming Up in the Series:

Blog #7: Roommate Got Caught — Who Gets Charged?

The blog published by Lawrence Law Firm is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing blog posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. Artificial Intelligence has been used to assist in formatting, topic selection, and organization, and while this information has been reviewed an attorney, this article should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.