As your child prepares for their first year of college, they’ll soon face a new chapter of their lives and gain their independence. But the reality is that sometimes, good people can make poor choices.

From traffic offenses to plagiarism, to serious felony charges, any situation can escalate quickly. A bad decision leading to a criminal charge doesn’t just affect a court case, it can carry long-lasting consequences.

Consequences that can impact your child’s education, reputation, mental health, and future career stability. Learn more at our July 2nd Wednesday as moderator Rob Hamor welcomes criminal law attorneys Alex Rusek and Ben Williams.

• When: July 8, from 12:00-12:30 pm
• Registration: https://bit.ly/2ndWeds2026 

Alex and Ben will provide a practical, parent-focused discussion on how to help your student avoid common pitfalls and how to respond should the worst happen including:

• Alcohol and Controlled Substance Use
  • No matter a student's reason for consumption, Alex and Ben will discuss criminal repercussions and collateral consequences of drug and/or alcohol use including academic consequences such as expulsion, loss of scholarships, difficulty in applying for federal loans or even future employment.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Academic Dishonesty
  • Overwhelmed students may turn to AI software such as ChatGPT to help them research and draft papers. However, colleges and universities are cracking down on flagging potential plagiarism. It's important to understand proper use of AI and how improper use of AI can have dire academic consequences.
• Other Offenses
  • What your student should do if they are stopped, investigated, charged, or contacted by law enforcement to avoid incriminating themselves.
  • While a very sensitive topic, sexual consent is important to understand as any sexual activity without consent, even if the victim knows the perpetrator, is considered assault.
  • How a criminal attorney can guide you through the steps, protect your child's rights and minimize damage.