Harford County Student Defense Lawyer
Going to college or university can be a significant time in any young person’s life, as well as in the life of any older adult looking to further their education after spending years in the workforce. However, if you are facing allegations that you violated state law, being enrolled as a student in an institution of higher learning can significantly complicate matters.
Effectively contesting criminal charges as a college or university student can require in-depth knowledge of both the state court system and your specific school’s conduct proceedings. An experienced Harford County student defense lawyer could provide this. By working with a qualified defense attorney from Price Benowitz, you increase your chances of securing favorable results from both processes.
Common Criminal Charges Students Face
Underage possession of alcohol is a particularly common charge that college and university students face. However, there are various other misdemeanors—as well as some felonies—that students may find themselves charged with based on actions they allegedly took on or near campus. These include:
- Public intoxication and other forms of disorderly conduct
- Vandalism or possession of a fake ID
- Shoplifting and other forms of theft
- Possession and distribution of controlled substances
- Assault or stalking
- Rape or a sexual offense
Because college and university students are almost always at least 18 years of age, they can and usually will be prosecuted as adults instead of juveniles for offenses like these. Therefore, even a first-time offender could face steep fines and potentially a term of imprisonment if they are convicted of criminal wrongdoing while at school. A student defense attorney in Harford County could work with you or your child to avoid this outcome.
How Are School Disciplinary Hearings Different From Criminal Trials?
Legal counsel could also play a key role in helping your family navigate any disciplinary proceedings undertaken by a college or university in response to alleged misconduct by one of their students. Student codes of conduct generally list all violations of Maryland state law as conduct violations in addition to academic misconduct, such as cheating and plagiarism. Someone arrested for a criminal offense while attending college or university may face both criminal prosecution and school disciplinary action over the same act.
Furthermore, school disciplinary hearings are not governed by the United States Constitution the way criminal trials are. The rules for what qualifies as admissible evidence, what rights the accused party has, and even the standard of proof that must be met to justify punitive action are all generally much more lax by comparison. This, in particular, is why it is important to have help from an experienced student defense lawyer in Harford County, even if you are only facing academic sanctions and not criminal ones.
Contact a Harford County Student Defense Attorney Today
A criminal conviction while you are attending college or university can disrupt your academic progress, as well as potentially alter the course of your life. However, with help from capable legal representation, you can effectively contest the allegations made against you and protect your best interests right now as well as years into the future.
A Harford County student defense lawyer from our team could be the ally you need to obtain the positive case result you are seeking. Call Price Benowitz today and schedule a free case evaluation to learn more.