A Calm, Clear Guide for Parents of Minors and College Students

📞 The Call No Parent Wants to Get

It's late. Your phone rings.
Your child — whether they're 16 or 20, in high school or away at college — tells you:

“I've been arrested.”

Whether it's for underage drinking, a fight, a drug charge, or something more serious, your mind races. You're scared. Confused. Maybe even angry.

But here's what matters most in this moment:

Stay calm, move fast, and get legal protection in place immediately.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we've helped hundreds of families in Ruston and across North Louisiana handle the aftermath of an arrest. Here's what you need to know right away — whether your child is still a minor or already over 18.

⚖️ Step 1: Consider Their Age — and What It Means Legally

👶 If Your Child Is a Minor (Under 18)

• They'll likely go through the juvenile justice system, which is designed more for rehabilitation than punishment.

• They may be taken to a juvenile detention center, not adult jail.

• You'll typically be contacted by authorities very quickly, and you have rights to be involved throughout.

🎓 If Your Child Is 18 or Older (College Student)

• They are legally considered an adult — even if they live under your roof or are still financially dependent on you.

• You may not be notified immediately. They are not required to let you know they've been arrested.

• They will go through the adult criminal system — and their charges, record, and consequences are treated accordingly.

📌 In college towns like Ruston, it's not uncommon for parents of 18–22-year-olds to be caught off guard by how little say they have once their child becomes a legal adult.

📋 Step 2: Get the Facts — Without Pushing Too Hard

If your child calls from jail or detention:

• Stay calm.

• Don't ask for details over the phone — calls are often recorded.

• Just ask where they are, what they're being charged with, and whether they've been given a bond.

• Remind them:

  “Don't say anything else to the police until we get a lawyer.”

🧑‍💼 Step 3: Hire a Local Criminal Defense Attorney

Whether your child is 17 or 21, you need someone:

• Who knows local courts and judges

• Who understands youth, student, and juvenile cases

• Who can act quickly to secure release, protect their record, and manage court appearances

At Lawrence Law Firm, we represent both juvenile and adult defendants — and we've helped families from Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State, and University of Louisiana Monroe navigate arrests with minimal disruption to their child's education and future.

🚪 Step 4: Understand What Happens Next

For Minors:

• The case will likely go through juvenile court

• The judge may offer diversion programs, counseling, or community service

• The record may be sealed or expunged later, depending on the outcome

For College Students:

• The case may go to City or District Court

• They could face jail time, fines, probation, license suspension, or a permanent criminal record

• Their college or university may take separate disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion

🛡️ What You Can Do as a Parent — Right Now

✅ Contact a lawyer on their behalf — even if they're over 18
✅ Keep lines of communication open without judgment
✅ Don't assume it will “work itself out”
✅ Talk to the attorney about record protection, especially for students planning to apply for jobs, internships, or grad school

📞 You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone

An arrest doesn't define your child. But how you respond to it can define the outcome.

📞 Call 318.232.4000 to speak with a criminal defense attorney who understands the college town dynamic — and the weight this moment carries for your family.
🖥️ Or schedule a confidential consultation today.

🔜 Up Next in the Series:

Post #2: Understanding Juvenile vs. Adult Charges in Louisiana

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.