What to Do If You’re Charged with a Crime on Campus: Rights and Defense Options
Being charged with a crime while attending college can be overwhelming. The consequences may extend beyond legal penalties to include academic discipline, loss of scholarships, and damage to future career prospects. In such situations, consulting a criminal defense attorney is crucial to work through both the criminal justice system and university procedures.
Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC in Columbus, Ohio, is experienced in representing students facing criminal charges. The firm understands the unique challenges that arise when legal issues intersect with academic life.
Their attorneys are committed to protecting students' rights and helping them pursue the best possible outcomes. Read on to learn more about your rights and defense options if you're facing criminal charges on campus.
An Overview of Your Rights as a Student
Students have the same constitutional rights as any other individual, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. It's important to exercise these rights if you're accused of a crime. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it's advisable to speak with a criminal defense attorney before making any statements.
Additionally, universities have their own codes of conduct and disciplinary procedures. These processes are separate from the criminal justice system but can have significant consequences, such as suspension or expulsion. Understanding the connection between criminal charges and university discipline is essential.
Being aware of your rights is the first step in mounting an effective defense. Next, it's important to understand the types of charges that commonly occur on campus.
Common Campus-Related Criminal Charges
College campuses aren’t immune to criminal activity. Students may find themselves facing charges for various offenses, including:
Alcohol-related offenses: Underage drinking, public intoxication, and DUI are common charges among college students.
Drug offenses: Possession or distribution of controlled substances can lead to serious legal consequences.
Assault and battery: Altercations between students can result in assault charges, especially if injuries occur.
Sexual misconduct: Allegations of sexual assault or harassment are taken seriously and can lead to both criminal charges and university disciplinary actions.
Theft and property crimes: Incidents involving stolen property or vandalism can result in criminal charges.
Understanding the nature of the charges against you is crucial in developing a defense strategy. The next step involves managing the university's disciplinary process.
Managing University Disciplinary Procedures
Universities have their own disciplinary systems to address student misconduct. These procedures are separate from the criminal justice system and can result in sanctions such as probation, suspension, or expulsion.
It's important to note that the standards of evidence and due process in university proceedings may differ from those in criminal court. For instance, some universities may use a "preponderance of the evidence" standard, which is lower than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard used in criminal trials.
Engaging a criminal defense attorney who’s familiar with both criminal law and university disciplinary procedures can be beneficial. They can help make sure that your rights are protected throughout both processes.
Next, let’s explore the defense options available to students facing criminal charges.
Defense Options for Students
When facing criminal charges, students have several defense options. The appropriate strategy depends on the specifics of the case, but some common defenses include:
Challenging the evidence: This may involve questioning the legality of a search or the reliability of witness testimony.
Negotiating plea agreements: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a plea deal that reduces the charges or penalties.
Seeking diversion programs: First-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Asserting affirmative defenses: Depending on the circumstances, defenses such as self-defense or consent may be applicable.
A criminal defense attorney can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and advise on the best course of action. Now, let’s examine how criminal charges can affect your academic standing.
Impact on Academic Standing and Future Opportunities
Criminal charges can have significant repercussions on a student's academic standing. Universities may impose sanctions that include suspension or expulsion, which can disrupt educational progress.
Additionally, a criminal record can affect future opportunities. It may hinder the ability to secure employment, obtain professional licenses, or pursue graduate education.
It’s essential to address both the immediate legal challenges and the potential long-term impacts. A criminal defense attorney can help develop a strategy that considers both aspects. The next section explores the steps to take immediately after being charged.
Immediate Steps to Take After Being Charged
If you're charged with a crime on campus, taking prompt action is vital. These initial decisions can impact both your criminal case and university standing. Some important steps include:
Contacting a criminal defense attorney right away: Early legal advice can help prevent you from making mistakes that could damage your case.
Avoiding statements to police or university officials: Anything you say may be used against you in court or in campus proceedings.
Preserving any evidence or communications: Emails, text messages, and videos may support your defense and should be secured immediately.
Avoiding contact with the alleged victim: Even well-meaning attempts to explain or apologize can be misinterpreted and used against you.
Understanding your university’s code of conduct: Familiarize yourself with potential academic consequences so that your attorney can factor them into your overall defense strategy.
Taking these actions early can strengthen your defense. After the initial steps are taken, the next phase typically involves preparing for both your criminal court case and any school-related hearings.
Preparing for Legal and School Disciplinary Hearings
Once charges are filed, you'll likely need to appear in both criminal court and a university hearing. Preparing for both requires thorough planning and coordination. The evidence, witnesses, and statements used in one setting can impact the other.
A criminal defense attorney can help determine how best to present your case in both forums. This might include deciding whether or not to testify, preparing supporting documentation, and assuring consistent messaging.
Each hearing may have different timelines and standards of proof. Legal proceedings require strict adherence to procedural rules, while university hearings often move faster and operate under more flexible guidelines. Let’s now look at how your defense attorney can help protect your academic future.
Protecting Your Education and Reputation
Maintaining your academic record and avoiding unnecessary disciplinary marks is often just as important as avoiding jail time. A criminal defense attorney can advocate not only in court but also before university disciplinary boards.
They can negotiate for lesser sanctions, such as counseling or probation, instead of suspension or expulsion. Where possible, your attorney may push for a deferred resolution until after the criminal case is resolved.
A lawyer’s involvement can also help preserve your reputation. Criminal cases involving students often become widely known within the campus community. Handling them swiftly and professionally is key. Up next, we’ll explore how families and support systems play a role in your defense.
How Family and Support Systems Can Help
Facing a criminal charge on campus can feel isolating. However, you don’t have to handle it alone. Family members, close friends, or school mentors can play a big role in supporting your legal and academic journey.
They can help organize documents, attend hearings with you, and even provide character references if needed. They may also be helpful in managing the emotional toll that comes with criminal allegations.
A criminal defense attorney will often encourage clients to lean on trusted people throughout the process. The next section explores how criminal records can affect your future—and what can be done to reduce that impact.
Long-Term Consequences and Record Expungement
Even if you're not convicted, a criminal charge on your record can affect housing applications, background checks, or future employment. For students, this is especially damaging when building a professional reputation.
In some cases, you may qualify for record sealing or expungement, which can make your criminal record unavailable to the public. A criminal defense attorney can advise whether you qualify based on Ohio law and your specific charges.
Working toward an expungement after your case concludes is often a key part of a long-term strategy. Before you get there, though, it’s vital to start with strong defense planning from the beginning.
Call for Legal Support
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges on campus, don’t delay seeking legal help. Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC serves clients throughout Dublin, Westerville, Gahanna, Hilliard, Licking County, Newark, Heath, Granville, Fairfield County, Lancaster, Pickerington, Delaware County, City of Delaware, Louis Center, and Powell. Contact the firm today to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.