New Jersey College Student Defense Attorney
University Student Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hamilton Advocate for College Students Facing Criminal Charges in Mercer County, Monmouth County, Middlesex County, and Throughout NJ
Are you a college or university student arrested and charged with committing a crime on campus? An arrest and criminal conviction can have devastating consequences for your education and future. Turn to a New Jersey college student defense attorney from The Scardella Law Firm LLC for help defending yourself against criminal prosecution. We have dedicated ourselves to advocating for people accused of crimes and protecting their rights in the criminal justice system. We represent clients charged with criminal and traffic offenses, including DUI/DWI, drug possession, disorderly conduct, and assault. When you turn to our firm after getting arrested on campus, you can expect us to quickly begin investigating your case, identifying potential defense strategies, explaining your options to you, and vigorously pursuing a favorable resolution of your charges, whether that means getting your case dismissed, pursuing alternative disposition, or advocating for an acquittal at trial.
Don’t let a youthful mistake have a catastrophic effect on your education and future. Contact The Scardella Law Firm LLC for a free initial case evaluation to talk to our university student criminal defense lawyers in Hamilton, NJ, about the criminal charges and potential outcomes you may face. Let our firm help you defend your rights and freedom.
University Student Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hamilton, NJ, Represent Students from All of New Jersey’s Colleges and Universities
Students who are arrested for committing crimes on campus face the possibility of discipline imposed by their college or university and have to deal with criminal prosecution. An arrest and conviction can significantly affect a student’s education and future. At The Scardella Law Firm LLC, our New Jersey College Student Defense Attorney represents students from all of New Jersey’s colleges and universities, including:
- Rutgers University
- Montclair State University
- Rowan University
- Kean University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Thomas Edison State University
- William Paterson University
- New Jersey City University
- Stockton University
- The College of New Jersey
- Ramapo College
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Seton Hall University
- Princeton University
- Monmouth University
- Rider University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Centenary University
- St. Peter’s University
- Drew University
- Caldwell University
- Bloomfield College
- Saint Elizabeth University
- Felecian University
- Georgian Court University
Common Criminal Charges Faces by University Students
Since college is the first opportunity for many young adults to live independently, many students will engage in reckless behavior that may lead to criminal charges. Common examples of crimes that college and university students get arrested and charged with include:
- Underage drinking – Consuming alcoholic beverages under the age of 21 is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, which carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. New Jersey law also prohibits the possession of fake or altered government identification.
- DWI/DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs usually results in a sentence for a first-time conviction that includes fines, insurance surcharges, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device on one’s vehicle. However, DWI while under 21 carries even harsher penalties, including driver’s license suspension.
- Drug possession – Students found possessing illegal drugs, including cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, or prescription drugs not prescribed to the student, can potentially face felony charges that may result in prison time and substantial fines. Possessing significant quantities of drugs may even result in a charge of possession with intent to distribute, which carries far more severe penalties for a conviction.
- Disorderly conduct – Binge drinking, drug use, and partying by college students may lead to rowdy behavior that results in a charge of disorderly conduct, which may lead to jail time and fines.
- Assault – Alcohol and drug use by students may also fuel aggressive behaviors that result in physical altercations, which can lead to an arrest and conviction for assault or aggravated assault, depending on whether weapons were used in a fight and how badly victims were injured.
- Sexual assault – Intoxication and lack of respect for consent can result in sexual assaults among college students, including nonconsensual touching/groping, indecent exposure, and date rape. Many sex offenses have penalties that include prison time, fines, and the requirement to register as a sex offender.
Contact Us for a Free Case Review to Discuss Your Legal Options and Get the Representation You Need to Defend Your Rights and Freedom
If you are a college or university student arrested for an on-campus crime, get the experienced legal help you need to defend your interests and reputation. Contact The Scardella Law Firm LLC today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how we can help you resolve your case favorably and protect your freedom and future.
Frequently Asked Questions About College and University Crimes in New Jersey
Although it may seem like many colleges and universities have a lax attitude towards underage drinking or binge drinking on campus or in dormitories and fraternity/sorority houses, the same alcohol laws that apply off-campus also apply to students on campus. Campus police can enforce laws against underage drinking, public intoxication, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Depending on the seriousness of a situation, getting busted by a RA for an alcohol-related offense may lead to the involvement of campus police and criminal charges.
Almost every college and university has a code of conduct that its students must follow. Student codes of conduct frequently have provisions that prohibit students from committing illegal conduct on campus or for committing crimes (even while off-campus) that affect other students, or that may bring the school into disrepute. Colleges and universities often have broad discretion to impose discipline upon students who violate the code of conduct through criminal activity. Discipline can include having a written warning placed in the student file, cancellation of credits, suspension for one or more semesters, or expulsion. However, schools usually have a disciplinary hearing process that allows you to contest an alleged code of conduct violation before the school can impose discipline.
