Sending a child off to the University of Texas at Austin is a proud milestone for any parent. But when the phone call comes that your son or daughter has been arrested, the emotions can be overwhelming: fear, frustration, embarrassment, and uncertainty about what this means for their future.
The truth is, many UT students find themselves in legal trouble during their college years. It might be a DWI after a football game, a possession charge from a concert, or a public intoxication ticket on 6th Street. While these situations are serious, they don’t have to define your child’s life. With the right guidance, their record — and their future — can often be protected.
Why Parents Need to Step In Quickly
College students often don’t grasp the long-term impact of a criminal charge. A single mistake can affect:
- Internships and job offers – Many Austin employers, especially in the tech sector, run background checks through Texas DPS and NCIC (national crime database).
- Graduate school admissions – Law, medical, and MBA programs routinely ask about arrests and convictions.
- Professional licensing – Legal, medicine, nursing, teaching, accounting licenses, and other advanced professions require full disclosure of any criminal charges whether convicted or dismissed.
- Student status – UT’s Dean of Students office can and often impose disciplinary action separate from criminal court, particularly for incidents that occur on or near campus.
As a parent, stepping in early to guide your child toward the right legal help can make all the difference.
How an Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
Travis County courts see student cases every day, and there are often opportunities to resolve them in ways that minimize damage. An experienced local defense lawyer can:
- Negotiate for dismissal or deferred adjudication for first-time offenders.
- Secure placement in pretrial diversion programs that allow the case to be dismissed upon completion.
- File for expunction or nondisclosure so the arrest and charges don’t show up in future background checks.
- Advise on how the criminal case may affect (and be affected by) UT disciplinary proceedings.
Why Timing Is Critical
In many student cases, the earlier a lawyer is involved, the more options are available. Missing court dates or waiting until the last minute can limit those opportunities. Acting quickly can mean the difference between a permanent record and a second chance.
A Parent’s Peace of Mind
No parent wants their child’s college years to be overshadowed by a criminal record. While you can’t undo the mistake, you can take steps now to protect their future. With the right representation, many UT students walk away from these cases without lasting consequences — and with valuable lessons learned.
Final Thought & Next Step
If your child is a UT Austin student facing criminal charges, don’t leave their future to chance. Our firm has helped countless students and families navigate this difficult time with discretion and care.