Young adults must learn some lessons the hard way, but some missteps have permanent consequences. When your child faces a criminal charge, Title IX investigation, or school disciplinary proceeding, you may need to act quickly to protect their future.

Even misdemeanor criminal proceedings could lead to jail time and a permanent criminal record that could impact their opportunities. Consult the legal team at Ruane Attorneys on options for defending the case and minimizing the potential penalties. A Norwich student defense lawyer at our firm can help your family move forward from this incident.

Criminal Proceedings Involving Students

It can be terrifying and stressful for a parent to learn their child is in police custody. Local police regularly arrest students for various crimes, including:

• Vandalism
• Public intoxication
• Disorderly conduct
• Burglary
• Assault
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Reckless driving
• Vehicle theft
• Sex crimes

A Norwich lawyer could defend any misdemeanor or felony charges and protect the student’s rights throughout the proceedings. A local attorney could meet the student at the jail and try to arrange their release. They could be present while the police or prosecutors question them to protect their rights. They could explain the charges and bail conditions to ensure the student has reasonable expectations and understands the potential consequences they face.

If the crime was a non-violent first offense, prosecutors are often amenable to dismissing charges or resolving them without creating a criminal record. In other cases, our legal team could help students pursue options like pretrial diversion programs. If necessary, Ruane Attorneys will prepare a defense and present it at trial, doing everything possible to raise doubt and avoid a criminal conviction.

School Disciplinary Proceedings in Norwich

An arrest can trigger a school’s disciplinary process even if the prosecutor dismisses the charges. A school also could initiate disciplinary proceedings for activities like plagiarism, hazing, or underage drinking on campus.

Disciplinary proceedings can have significant consequences. A mark on a student’s disciplinary record could limit their opportunities for graduate school and even endanger their student loans. Schools have the power to impose suspensions or expulsions.

The attorneys at our firm can also help students throughout the disciplinary proceedings. Some schools allow an attorney to be present during investigatory interviews and hearings, which could help preserve the student’s rights. When the school does not allow legal counsel to be present, a lawyer could prepare the student for the proceeding to help them avoid incriminating themselves.

Defending Title IX Violations

When a student believes they have been sexually harassed, exploited, or assaulted, they could file a complaint with their school under 42 United States Code §1681, commonly known as Title IX. The school is legally obligated to investigate the allegation, protect the complainant throughout the process, and take action against the alleged offender if the school finds the complaint has merit.

Students undergoing Title IX investigations might be barred from specific classes or places on campus to protect the complainant. These restrictions can unduly limit the student’s academic activities. A Norwich attorney could work to protect the rights and freedoms of the accused student during a Title IX investigation.

The accused student has the right to due process and may have an attorney present during interviews and other interactions with school officials. If the school holds a formal hearing, our Norwich lawyers could represent the student’s interests to achieve the best result possible.

Trust a Norwich Attorney for Your Student’s Defense

A moment of misjudgment or misunderstanding can significantly impact a young person when it leads to criminal charges. Defending any allegation against a student is critical to preserve their future.

A Norwich student defense attorney understands the high stakes and works to minimize the long-term consequences of a criminal allegation. Call Ruane Attorneys today to schedule a consultation and discuss your situation.