Bridgeport Student Defense Lawyer
Leaving home for the first time to go to college or attend a university is a huge step in the lives of many young people. Suddenly having so much personal freedom can be overwhelming under the best of circumstances. That freedom comes with great responsibility and accountability as these young adults must still follow the laws of the State, enumerated in the Connecticut Penal Code. If these young individuals violate those laws, they can be and almost always are prosecuted as adults in criminal court.
If you or your child are facing criminal charges related to something that happened while away at school, you have help available from a Bridgeport student defense lawyer. Our team will help you understand and proactively enforce your rights. In addition to criminal proceedings, your defense attorney can help handle any school disciplinary action stemming from a criminal allegation, even if that allegation does not result in formal charges being filed.
Common Criminal Charges Faced by College Students
In statistical terms, college and university students who wind up on the wrong side of the law often face charges for actions involving illegal use or possession of alcohol or other controlled substances. Depending on the circumstances, this can range from relatively mild charges for underage possession of alcohol to more serious charges like driving under the influence or drug distribution which can potentially be prosecuted as high-level felony offenses.
Other common charges faced by college students include, but are not limited to:
- Stalking;
- Trespassing;
- Sexual assault;
- Physical assault;
- Possession of a fake ID;
- Disorderly conduct and/or breach of the peace;
- Larceny, including shoplifting from retail stores; and/or
- Hazing within student organizations such as fraternities and sororities.
Guidance from a seasoned Bridgeport student defense attorney is crucial both to understanding exactly how the penal code defines the specific charge(s) you are facing and for constructing a strong defense strategy against the charge(s).
Can Legal Counsel Help During School Disciplinary Hearings?
While every person accused of a crime is guaranteed certain rights under the United States Constitution, such as the right to legal representation and the right to a trial before a jury of their peers, neither public nor private universities are required to hold their internal disciplinary proceedings to the same standards. School disciplinary proceedings often have lower standards of proof than the beyond-a-reasonable-doubt standard applicable in our criminal courts. It is not only possible, but fairly common for school conduct hearings to continue even if criminal charges have been dismissed or a not-guilty verdict has been reached.
Legal representation is not guaranteed for people facing school disciplinary action. That does not mean, however, that you cannot retain a private student defense lawyer in Bridgeport to help you while those proceedings are ongoing. Even if the school does not allow legal counsel to attend the conduct hearing with the student they are representing, the attorney can still help that student prepare their defense and practice what to say during each stage of the process.
Get in Touch With a Bridgeport Student Defense Attorney Today
Whether they are an incoming freshman, a senior about to graduate, or anywhere in between, college students are subject to all the same rules and restrictions set by the Connecticut Penal Code as any other adult in the state. As many young people learn the hard way, fighting criminal allegations can be difficult, especially if the allegations could negatively impact their academic future with or without a conviction.
Assistance from a knowledgeable Bridgeport student defense lawyer can make a world of difference in how you or your child’s case proceeds and what chances you have of securing the best resolution both in and out of court. Call Mark Sherman Law today to learn more, and click here to read verified reviews left by satisfied past clients on our Avvo.com profile.