Kentucky Criminal Defense for College Students

College life in Kentucky — at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, the University of Louisville, Transylvania, Centre, Eastern Kentucky University, and elsewhere — brings new freedoms and new risks. An arrest during your college years can jeopardize scholarships, financial aid, graduate school admissions, professional licensing, and future employment. At Clark + Harris, we defend college students across the Commonwealth. Call 859-474-0001.

Common Criminal Charges Against College Students

Alcohol offenses — public intoxication, minor in possession, alcohol intoxication
Fake ID and use of another’s ID under KRS 516.030 and KRS 514.050
DUI under KRS 189A.010, including under-21 DUI under KRS 189A.010(1)(f)
Drug possession, including marijuana, Adderall, mushrooms, and cocaine
Disorderly conduct, harassment, and trespassing
Assault arising from bar fights or dorm incidents
Theft and shoplifting

Collateral Consequences Affect Students Most

For college students, the collateral consequences of a conviction can be worse than any jail time or fine. A drug conviction can disqualify you from federal financial aid under the Higher Education Act (for specific periods). A felony can block graduate school admissions, professional licensure in law, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy, and certain employment. An immigration consequence can derail an international student’s visa status.

Diversion, Dismissal, and Expungement

Many student cases can be resolved through pretrial diversion, deferred prosecution, or amendment to a lesser charge. KRS 218A.275 provides a first-offender program for certain possession offenses. Misdemeanor expungement under KRS 431.078 is available for many offenses. We pursue every option for dismissal or amendment before contemplating a plea that carries long-term consequences.

Campus Conduct Proceedings

Kentucky universities have their own student conduct processes — separate from criminal court. A criminal arrest can trigger a conduct case that carries suspension or expulsion. Statements made in the campus process can be used in the criminal case. We routinely advise students on coordinating their criminal defense with the campus conduct process.

Title IX Allegations

Allegations of sexual misconduct at Kentucky universities can result in both Title IX proceedings and criminal investigations. We represent students in both forums, with careful attention to how statements in one process can affect the other. Early counsel is critical.

Protecting Your Future

A college student’s future depends on an unblemished record. An arrest does not have to define that future. Call Clark + Harris at 859-474-0001 for experienced representation that understands the stakes and the options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?

As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.

Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?

Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?

We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.

Related Resources

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