Fort Collins College Graduates: Avoid Being Charged with a Crime

This week hundreds of college students graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. That means there were countless commencement speeches and toasts from well-meaning uncles and distant relatives. As an experienced criminal defense attorney practicing in Loveland, Estes Park, and all across Larimer County, I have my own commencement speech to offer:

[pullquote align=”center” textalign=|center” width=”100%”]I have my own commencement speech to offer to college graduates:[/pullquote]

College Graduates: Be Optimistic and Work Hard – Bad Decisions Destroy Futures

If you just graduated from CSU or you’re going to be graduating in the next few years, you are filled with optimism and excitement. And, you should be filled with those feelings. You’ve worked hard, and now you begin the next step in your journey. The “real world” after college is filled both with opportunities and heartache. As you work to fulfill the American Dream and find a job, you will be tempted to take shortcuts. These shortcuts may seem like a fast way to fulfill your dream or enjoy the moment, but they will destroy your future. Here are my 5 tips for college students and how to avoid criminal charges:

1. Be Wary of Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and drugs ruin ambition. The abuse of these substances is often the beginning of a downward spiral. I have worked with countless young people who use alcohol and drugs on a regular basis, and as a result, they have a hard time functioning in the real world. They get caught up in a cycle of addiction – they stay up late, sleep in late, and can’t get a good job as a result. There are many crimes associated with the abuse of alcohol and drugs: When your judgment is impaired you make questionable decisions and could be faced with Unlawful Sexual Contact charges or a DUI. When you need to de-stress, use exercise and the outdoors, not mind-altering substances.

[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”80%”]Use exercise as a way to relax, not drugs or alcohol.[/pullquote]

2. Watch the Company You Keep

I have talked with hundreds of young adults and college graduates who have gotten caught up in criminal charges. They have no idea how they got the point where they committed a crime. Time after time, I link it back to the company they keep. If you hang out with partiers who drink heavily, smoke pot, and do other drugs, you’ll eventually become like them. People in this group have a much higher chance of being charged with crimes such as Disorderly Conduct or Assault. Choose your friends wisely.

[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”80%”]Choose your friends wisely.[/pullquote]

3. Success Takes Time

You may be impatient to achieve the success of your parents. But, success takes a lot of hard work and time. Don’t take shortcuts to avoid the hard route – dishonest tactics result in Theft charges and other crimes. Don’t think that you can have the car, a house, and spending money a few years after college. These things take time to build up. Honest gain lasts forever – dishonest gain brings a lot of heartache in the form of a criminal case, conviction, possible jail or prison time, and probation.

[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”80%”]Honest gain lasts forever.[/pullquote]

4. Sex is Serious

The obvious consequence of unprotected sex is the danger of contracting an STD. But, apart from this, there are long-lasting bonds which are created when two people have a sexual relationship. There is not such thing as casual sex. What you may think is casual may not feel so casual when your girlfriend cheats on you with another man. People get jealous. And, when people get jealous, all kinds of things happen. I have worked with clients who have been falsely accused of Sexual Assault by a revengeful ex. “Casual” one-night stands are anything but casual. If the woman regrets her decision to sleep with you, she can make accusations which send you to prison for the rest of your life. Don’t gamble with your future. Save sex for marriage and you’ll save yourself from a lot of heartache.

[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”80%”]Remember that “casual sex” doesn’t exist.[/pullquote]

5. Invest in People, Not Stuff

Don’t fall into the trap of accumulating stuff. Don’t invest your time to buy things. Instead, focus on the people in your life who have a positive impact on your decisions and future. Be a positive influence in return. Life is much better when enriched with good relationships. Often, the pursuit of more possessions leads people to take shortcuts and commit criminal offenses.

[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”80%”]Pursue relationships, not possessions.[/pullquote]

If You Make a Mistake, Don’t Let it Ruin Your Future

Life after college will be good, but only if you have the right expectations. If you thought you’d find a job right away and instead find yourself struggling to make ends meet, don’t get lost in despair and turn to alcohol or drugs, or take shortcuts. But, if you find yourself charged with a crime in Larimer County, don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced criminal defense lawyers. We have helped hundreds of college students / graduates overcome bad decisions and create a clean slate for the future. Don’t let one mistake ruin your future.

If you or a friend or loved one has been accused of a crime in Fort Collins or contacted by the CSU Police Department, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-658-0007, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.