In today’s world where gun violence at schools is a real possibility, school threats bring sober consequences. What might have been shrugged off as a kid blowing off steam or collegiate prank, is now taken very seriously by school administrators and law enforcement. The consequences for a Florida student making school threats can be severe and life-altering.
Florida students have been charged for leaving threatening notes in a bathroom and for making school threats on social media. Under Florida law, a student can be charged with felonies for such behavior. It is a crime to issue “written threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism.” Those making threats can also be charged with a felony for making a false report concerning the use of a weapon.
Because of the seriousness of these legal charges for school threats and their far-reaching consequences, if you (or your child) has made this mistake, you need the services of Varcarcel Law in Sarasota, FL. Experienced criminal defense Attorney Erika Valcarcel understands that most students aren’t going to act on these alleged threats and need protection from life-long consequences of a poor decision of an underage or student crime. Contact her right away to discuss charges related to a school threat by calling (941) 363-7900 or using our online contact form for an appointment.
Consequences for School Threats
Legal penalties for students over 18 (or minors charged as adults) who are convicted of second-degree felonies for making school threats can be up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. That’s why speaking to a seasoned criminal defense attorney at Varcarcel Law is vital. Attorney Erika Valcarcel will fight to produce all the facts that could demonstrate there was no real school threat so charges should be dropped or reduced.
Education Concerns
Beyond legal penalties, charges and/or convictions surrounding school threats may result in other negative consequences. Students could be suspended or expelled from school during an investigation and legal process, which disrupts their education. Even if the student can return to school, their record may reflect the incident and damage their chances for college entry. For those students with college acceptances already, the universities could revoke those offers. And for college students, they also could face expulsion and denial of a degree.
Employment and Licensing Issues
Furthermore, those involved with making school threats could face difficulty finding a job. Having a criminal record can harm employment prospects. Employers cannot be compelled to hire felons and some positions are off-limits to those with certain criminal offenses. Avoiding a criminal record for a school threat is important to future employment opportunities.
Keep in mind as well that charges and convictions can undermine dreams to work in professions such as law, medicine, accounting, and teaching. Legal requirements for those professions may forbid felons from being licensed. A military career might also be thwarted.
Additional Consequences
Beyond education and employment, being involved in a school threats case could affect other parts of life. For instance, background checks are often conducted when you apply for an apartment, or credit, and even to work as a volunteer.
In addition, such charges could undermine your immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen. Making a thoughtless remark or poor joke could result in severe consequences including loss of green card, visa, and deportation.
School Threats Charges Are Serious. We Can Help.
If you or your child are involved in a school threats matter, you need a criminal defense attorney now. By working with Varcarcel Law, you can mitigate possible damages to your education, job, and housing opportunities. Contact Attorney Erika Varcarcel today so she can help resolve the situation with the least consequences possible. Call (941) 363-7900 or use our online contact form for an appointment.
View All Blogs"Erika Valcarcel, Criminal Defense Lawyer, P.A. is the best you will find. Erika Valcarcel is completely honest and straightforward. She took a huge burden off my shoulders many times during difficult periods of my life knowing that she was doing everything that that could and should be done. Her knowledge is extensive and her advice has always been right on the mark. She is worth every penny of the fee she charges. You cannot go wrong securing her services."
Joni A. | Sarasota County
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When a client was arrested for battery after an altercation with his girlfriend, he immediately contacted attorney Erika Valcarcel. The client was adamant that the entire situation was a misunderstanding, but nevertheless he was looking at a domestic violence conviction and potentially up to a year in jail. We acted fast on his behalf and discussed the situation with the State attorney’s office. We informed the prosecutor that our client's girlfriend did not want to proceed and highlighted the weaknesses in their case. Once they were aware of these developments, we successfully arranged to have the charges dismissed. This was all before our client's first court date and impressively all done within 10 days of the initial arrest.
