All people facing allegations of criminal activity need to take the charges seriously and act to protect their futures. However, perhaps no group of people stands to lose as much as those currently enrolled in a college or university. Not only can a conviction result in severe criminal penalties, but your school may decide to issue a punishment even if a criminal charge ends with an acquittal.

It is essential that you reach out to an attorney to develop a defense against these accusations. At Ruane Attorneys, an East Windsor student defense lawyer could help to dispute a prosecutor’s charge in criminal court and defend your ability to continue your education.

Common Criminal Allegations that Affect Students in East Windsor

Most people attending classes at colleges and universities are over the age of 18. This means that students who allegedly violate the state’s criminal code may be prosecuted as adults. Even if a supposed incident happens on campus, school security personnel have an obligation to report alleged criminal activity to local law enforcement.

Misdemeanor Offenses at School

Many examples of these allegations are misdemeanors. These can include drug possession charges under Connecticut General Statute § 21a-279, simple assaults, and allegations of theft. Here, a conviction is unlikely to result in a jail sentence but will still create a criminal record that could impact a student for years to come.

Felony Charges for College Students

Other cases fall into the category of felonies. Here, potential punishments include at least a year in prison, with many examples requiring a mandatory minimum sentence. Examples of felonies that can impact students include charges for sexual assault, drug distribution, and robbery. Talking with a nearby attorney could help students better understand the nature of the criminal charges that they face.

Providing Help to Students in Criminal Court and School Hearings

As adults, college students can face the full consequences of a criminal accusation. This means that a conviction could require them to pay a fine, spend time in jail, or both. Defending the rights and freedoms of college students in East Windsor during these cases is one way in which a lawyer could help. An attorney at our firm could work to evaluate a prosecutor’s case, develop a defense that aims to defeat this case, and represent the interests of students during every court session.

School Disciplinary Actions

Students at colleges and universities also face the prospect of discipline from their schools. All schools maintain a code of conduct that regulates the behavior of students on and off campus. If law enforcement arrests a student and charges them with a crime, this is a violation of their school’s code of conduct. As a result, a disciplinary hearing is likely to follow.

Each individual school will have its own procedures for these sessions. Some allow an accused student to have an attorney present at each session. Others require the student to appear alone. An East Windsor defense lawyer works to determine a student’s rights under their school’s code and protect their ability to continue their education.

Speak with an East Windsor Student Defense Attorney for Guidance

Allegations that a student at a college or university has committed an illegal act will have a profound impact on their life. The primary goal is always to defeat the charges in criminal court to protect the student’s reputation and freedom. In addition, the school is also likely to initiate disciplinary action that could result in a suspension or even expulsion.

If you or your child faces charges, reaching out to an East Windsor student defense lawyer should be your first priority. At Ruane Attorneys, we work to not only fight back against criminal charges in court but also provide guidance concerning your school’s disciplinary hearings. Contact our firm now to get started.