SEXTON LAW
The Impact of Student Convictions
A criminal conviction during college doesn’t just affect your present—it can compromise your entire future. Whether you’re studying nursing, criminal justice, education, or business, even a misdemeanor can follow you for years, showing up on background checks, licensure applications, and graduate school admissions.
Academic Fallout
Colleges and universities—especially NKU, UC, and Thomas More—take criminal accusations seriously. Depending on the nature of the charge, you may face:
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Immediate suspension or expulsion
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Loss of scholarships or financial aid
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Bans from campus housing or student organizations
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Permanent disciplinary records that impact graduate school applications
Even if you are not convicted, a pending criminal charge can result in temporary restrictions or academic probation, disrupting your coursework and delaying your degree.
Damage to Career Paths
Many students assume a minor offense won’t matter later. But employers, licensing boards, and government agencies often conduct deep background checks. A student conviction—especially for offenses like theft, assault, or drug charges—can prevent:
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Internships or work-study placements
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Admission into competitive graduate or professional programs
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State certification in fields like law, healthcare, finance, or education
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Security clearances or public employment eligibility
If you plan to enter a licensed profession, even a single conviction can disqualify you before your career begins.
Immigration and Housing Consequences
For international students, criminal charges can trigger visa issues, deportation proceedings, or travel restrictions. Domestically, students may also lose eligibility for on-campus housing or face bans from university facilities. A conviction can also make it harder to rent an apartment or qualify for student loans.
Social and Emotional Toll
Beyond the paperwork and penalties, student charges often carry lasting emotional consequences. Reputational damage, social isolation, and the stress of navigating multiple disciplinary systems can leave a lasting impact on mental health. Our goal is not just legal protection—but total protection.
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Will I get kicked out of school if I’m charged with a crime?Not necessarily, but it’s a real risk—especially for offenses involving violence, drugs, alcohol, or dishonesty. Most universities, including NKU and UC, have conduct codes that allow them to discipline students independently of the criminal court process. Even if charges are dropped, you could still face suspension or expulsion. That’s why it’s critical to have a defense attorney who understands both systems and can protect your academic standing while fighting the charges in court.
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Will this affect my visa if I’m an international student?It could. Criminal charges, especially felonies or drug-related offenses, may result in visa revocation, denial of reentry, or even removal proceedings. Sexton Law treats international student cases with the utmost care, often working alongside immigration counsel when necessary. If you’re an international student facing legal trouble, do not delay—early legal intervention is critical to preserving your ability to remain in the U.S.
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Can you represent me even if I haven’t told my parents yet?Yes. Our consultations are completely confidential, and we respect the privacy of every student who reaches out to us. You are not required to involve your parents unless you choose to. However, many students find it helpful to have parental support when facing court or school proceedings, and we’re experienced in helping students navigate that conversation if and when they’re ready.
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How long will this stay on my record?That depends on the outcome. If your case is dismissed, or if you complete a diversion program, you may be eligible to have the record sealed or expunged. Even convictions for certain offenses can be cleared under Kentucky law after a waiting period. Sexton Law assists students with post-case expungement so that one mistake in college doesn’t follow you into graduate school, job interviews, or professional licensing.
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Can I lose my financial aid or scholarship because of a criminal charge?Yes. Some scholarships and financial aid programs have moral conduct clauses or academic performance thresholds that a criminal case could impact—especially drug- or alcohol-related offenses. Even a temporary suspension from school could cause you to lose eligibility. Our defense strategy includes coordinating with university officials when appropriate to protect your enrollment status and funding while your case is pending.
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Can I be punished twice for the same incident—once by the school and once by the courts?Yes, and it happens often. Colleges have the authority to enforce their own conduct rules, which means you could face a university hearing and a criminal case for the same situation. For example, a dorm altercation might result in both an assault charge and a student conduct board hearing. We coordinate your defense to minimize the impact in both arenas—and where possible, use your cooperation with the school to your advantage in court, or vice versa.
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Do I need a lawyer if it’s just a misdemeanor or a student code violation?Absolutely. Minor charges can still carry major consequences. A misdemeanor can stay on your record, affect job opportunities, and disrupt your academic path. Student conduct violations can result in probation, academic holds, or loss of housing. Having an attorney early ensures you don’t make mistakes that could cost you down the line. Our firm handles both formal charges and internal university proceedings with discretion and care.
If you’re looking for the best accident lawyer in Covington, our record speaks for itself.
Real Client Testimonial:
“I was injured in a serious crash and didn't know where to turn. Shannon and his team handled everything while I recovered. They negotiated hard and got me a settlement that covered every dollar of medical expenses—and more.”
– J.B., Covington
Aggressive Legal Defense for Violent Crime Charges in Kentucky and Ohio
Being charged with assault, battery, or any violent crime is more than just a legal issue- it’s a threat to your freedom, your future, and your reputation. Prosecutors in both Kentucky and Ohio take violent crimes seriously and often push for maximum penalties. That’s why you need more than just legal representation. You need a violent crime defense attorney who builds real counter-cases, prepares for trial from day one, and knows how to dismantle the prosecution’s narrative.
At Sexton Law, our Cincinnati assault attorneys and Northern Kentucky trial lawyers have secured jury acquittals in every courtroom across Kenton, Campbell, and Boone Counties. Whether you're facing a felony assault charge or defending a justified act of self-defense, we are ready to protect your rights, preserve your record, and fight for your freedom.
Safeguarding Your Future When College Mistakes Turn Into Criminal Charges
A single mistake in college shouldn’t define your future. Unfortunately, a criminal charge—even for a minor offense—can derail your academic progress, threaten scholarships, and follow you into your career. At Sexton Law, we understand that college students deserve second chances and strong advocacy. Whether you’re facing a DUI after a night out near NKU, accused of misconduct in the dorms, or caught with marijuana on campus, we act quickly to protect your record, your reputation, and your right to move forward. Our team defends both the student and the student’s future.
Why College Students Choose Sexton Law Firm
Dual-Jurisdiction Expertise: We defend you in campus disciplinary hearings and criminal court, coordinating strategies to protect academics and legal rights.
Discreet & Dedicated: We keep sensitive matters private—handling Title IX cases, assault allegations, and conduct code violations with confidentiality and care.
Former Prosecutor Advantage: Shannon Sexton’s background as a felony prosecutor offers insider knowledge that helps dismantle the prosecution’s case.
Expungement & Record Sealing: We guide you through post-case expungement so your academic and professional future remains intact.
Flat Fees & Free Consultations: Know the cost up front with no surprises and get immediate advice on your campus or criminal matter.
If you need a criminal defense attorney in Covington, you’ve come to the right place. We confront each challenge directly and with determination, ensuring that we consistently achieve and deliver outstanding results for our clients.
Recent Case Victory:
We achieved a positive result for our client. They were stopped by police with 28 grams of marijuana, $2,000 in cash, and a loaded firearm.
We filed a motion to suppress the evidence. Our client rejected a plea deal, and the judge ruled that the stop was illegal. As a result, the court dismissed all charges. At Sexton Law, we do not accept settlements when your future is on the line. Let us fight for you with a defense strategy designed to protect your rights and preserve your freedom.
A Trial Attorney with a Family Law Background
As a law student at the University of Kentucky College of Law, Shannon focused on Family Law. He had the privilege of learning from Professor Louise E. Graham, a co-author of "Kentucky Practice: Domestic Relations Law," which is regarded as one of the most authoritative texts on Family Law in Kentucky. In essence, Shannon studied under the expert who literally wrote the book on this subject. Additionally, he has contributed to the Kentucky Law Journal as a published author in Family and Domestic Law.
WHAT WE DO
College Student Criminal Record Defense Attorneys in Covington, KY
College life often involves social situations where alcohol is present—but when students are cited for underage drinking, public intoxication, or driving under the influence, the consequences can be severe. We help students navigate these charges while minimizing academic and legal fallout, whether the incident occurred on campus or off.
Even a small amount of marijuana or a prescription drug without documentation can lead to criminal charges that jeopardize your education. We handle everything from minor possession to more serious allegations involving distribution or paraphernalia, with a focus on protecting your record and eligibility for future opportunities.
Altercations in dorms, student housing, or campus events can result in assault charges or misconduct investigations. Our team defends students accused of physical altercations, harassment, or Title IX violations—addressing both the criminal proceedings and any parallel university disciplinary actions.
College students are sometimes accused of vandalism, shoplifting, or damaging school or personal property. These may seem like minor incidents, but they can lead to criminal records and restitution demands. We work to resolve these cases in ways that preserve your standing with both the school and the court.
Traffic citations, reckless driving, and license violations can have more impact than many students realize. If you're a student who relies on driving for work, internships, or daily life, we defend these charges with the goal of keeping your license clean and your future on track.
From using a false ID to access a bar, to impersonating someone on a test or falsifying documentation, students face serious consequences for identity-related or academic fraud. We provide smart, discreet representation that aims to resolve these cases while protecting your educational record and reputation.
HOW IT WORKS
Our Defense Process for College Student Crimes
College students facing criminal or disciplinary action often feel blindsided—navigating legal codes, campus policies, and potential long-term consequences without a clear path forward. At Sexton Law, we’ve developed a proven defense process tailored to the unique challenges college students face. We take fast, strategic action to protect your legal rights, your academic standing, and your future.
STEP 1
Free, Confidential Consultation Within 24 Hours
When a student or their family contacts our office, we respond immediately. Our first step is a free, private consultation—often the same day. We explain the nature of the charges, outline potential outcomes, and answer urgent questions about court dates, school hearings, and what to expect next. You’ll walk away knowing your options and the steps we’ll take to defend you.
STEP 2
Case Investigation and Evidence Review
We begin with a full investigation. This includes reviewing police reports, campus security footage, emails or texts, and any documentation from student conduct boards. We interview witnesses and identify discrepancies, unlawful searches, or due process violations. For Title IX cases or allegations of misconduct, we pay special attention to how the investigation was conducted and whether your rights were upheld.
STEP 3
Representation at School Hearings and Criminal Court
Many college cases involve dual-track proceedings—disciplinary action by the university and prosecution by the state. We handle both. We appear at conduct board hearings at NKU, Thomas More, and other institutions, and we represent you in municipal and district courts across Kenton, Campbell, and Boone Counties. This unified approach allows us to protect you on all fronts, coordinating strategy across both systems.
STEP 4
Legal Motions, Negotiation, and Defense Strategy
Once we’ve assessed the facts, we determine the best course of action—whether it’s filing a motion to suppress evidence, negotiating for a diversion program, or preparing for trial. We fight to reduce or dismiss charges, protect your record, and avoid outcomes that could disrupt your academic and professional goals. Our team works with prosecutors, deans, and disciplinary officers to resolve cases with discretion and impact.
STEP 5
Expungement and Record Sealing After Resolution
Many students assume their legal troubles end when the case is over—but our work continues. Once your matter is resolved, we guide you through the expungement process to seal your record and protect your future. Whether it’s a dismissed case, a completed diversion program, or an eligible conviction, we help ensure one mistake doesn’t show up every time you apply for a job or professional license.
WHERE WE ARE
Defending Students Across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati
Sexton Law is based in Covington, KY—just minutes from the Northern Kentucky University (NKU) campus in Highland Heights and within easy reach of Thomas More University, Gateway Community & Technical College, and the University of Cincinnati. We regularly appear in the district and circuit courts of Kenton, Campbell, and Boone Counties, and we’re well-versed in the unique disciplinary procedures of local colleges and universities. Whether your case begins with a citation at a dorm, an arrest after a party, or a Title IX investigation on campus, we’re close by and ready to step in fast.
Contact Our Student Defense Team
If you're a student—or the parent of one—facing criminal or disciplinary charges in college, don’t wait for things to escalate. Early action can mean the difference between a dismissed charge and a permanent mark on your future. At Shannon Sexton Law, our college student criminal record defense attorneys provide aggressive legal defense, honest guidance, and the discretion your situation demands. Take control of the process today—reach out to our team and get the representation your future deserves.
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