Every person on the planet has made a few mistakes in their lifetimes. Arguably, some mistakes are more serious than others are and can have a lasting effect on many areas of a person’s life. A criminal conviction, for example, imposes several personal hardships, even after a defendant has paid for their mistake per the law.
Those looking to attend one of Colorado’s esteemed universities may face unexpected hardships if they have a criminal record. Most college applications contain questions about an applicant’s history, including whether they have been convicted of a crime.
One of the most important obligations of a college admissions board is protecting other students from harm. For example, if an applicant was convicted of sex crimes, the board may not grant them entry. Even if an applicant with a prior conviction gains acceptance, he or she may face some limits on issues like campus housing. In other words, a prior conviction for sex or violent crimes may mean you cannot reside on campus.
Fortunately, institutions like the University of Colorado will look at several factors before making their decisions. These factors typically include:
- The nature and seriousness of the applicant’s conduct
- The length of time since the incident occurred
- How old the applicant was when the conduct occurred
- Evidence demonstrating the applicant’s rehabilitation
With so much at stake, you can see why building a solid criminal defense is vital any time you are arrested. Avoiding a conviction, preferably with experienced legal assistance, can open doors for you that may otherwise remain closed. This is important whether you want to attend a university or simply move forward with your life as it was before your arrest.