Connecticut Student Defense Lawyer
When a college or high school student gets arrested, it’s a double-edged sword. That’s because they will now face both Connecticut criminal and school discipline proceedings. For even a low-level misdemeanor, these charges can result in jail sentences. However, students attending private schools, colleges and universities have even more problems to be concerned about, such as expulsions, suspensions, and civil lawsuits.
Your Child’s Student Handbook Lays Out Rules for Connecticut Arrests
All students sign on to a code of conduct that governs how they must behave while at school. As any of the best students’ rights lawyers and attorneys will explain, facing criminal accusations on a school or college campus will almost always trigger an internal school or Title IX investigation that can result in a loss of privileges, suspensions, or even expulsion.
A top student defense lawyer can help students in both the Connecticut criminal court venue and in student disciplinary board hearings. Your child’s attorney can defend your child against all criminal charges as well as defend your child’s academic transcript and professional reputation.
Will My Child’s Connecticut Campus Arrest Be Made Public?
Yes. Most students in college are at least 18 years old. This means that police will charge them as adults even if they are students. It also does not matter whether campus police investigate the alleged incident. All school security forces must report any illegal activity to the local police department.
Most arrests of college students are for minor misdemeanors. In Connecticut, this means that there is no required jail time for a conviction, but these charges still may create a permanent criminal record and could result in your child having their name, address, arrest reports, and mug shot plastered on the internet.
What are the Most Commonly Charged Crimes on Connecticut College Campuses?
- Harassment in the Second Degree: Connecticut Code Chapter 952, 53a-183, is a Class C misdemeanor
- Disorderly Conduct: Connecticut Code Chapter 952, 53a-182, also a Class C misdemeanor
- Assault in the Third Degree: Connecticut Code Chapter 952, 53a-61, is a Class A misdemeanor
Can I Get Expelled from College for a Criminal Arrest?
Possibly. As the best Connecticut school defense lawyers understand, colleges and universities throughout Connecticut have their students sign codes of conduct when they enroll. Every school’s code is different, but in general they require that students behave in an upstanding manner. Naturally a criminal conviction would count as a violation of this code.
Unfortunately, the mere accusation of criminal activity is sufficient to trigger a conduct code inquiry. Conduct boards do not operate with the same rules of evidence and burdens of proof as a criminal court. Even if a person is cleared of all criminal charges in court, the school may impose heavy-handed discipline such as expulsion or suspension.
Can I Hire a Lawyer to Help Me Fight a School Expulsion Hearing in Connecticut?
Yes. Inquiry boards at colleges have the power to interview witnesses, gather documentary evidence, and issue discipline without regard for the outcome of any charges in criminal court. Depending upon the school, the accused student may have the option to speak in their own defense. Other schools bar any attorney involvement in the hearings but allow your lawyer to advise you outside the hearing room. A student defense attorney can help Connecticut students to prepare for these inquiries, formulate defenses, and when applicable, appear with them during interviews.
Contact a Connecticut Student Defense Attorney Today
College and university students who are facing criminal charges face great obstacles. Of course, they must be concerned with the potential consequences for a criminal conviction. But even if the criminal charges end in the student’s favor, they may still need to answer for their conduct before a school’s disciplinary board.
A to Connecticut student defense attorney may be able to help. They can represent students in both Connecticut criminal courts and guide them through their school’s individualized conduct board hearings. Contact an attorney today to schedule a consultation.