Yale University Student Defense Lawyer
Located in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University is one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. While gaining admission is a major accomplishment, staying enrolled can quickly become uncertain if you’re facing criminal charges or disciplinary action.
Unfortunately, arrests for offenses such as drug possession, hazing, or sexual assault can lead to immediate consequences both on and off campus. These cases are not handled internally, Yale students are processed through New Haven Superior Court, just like any other adult, with no special student tribunal for criminal matters. A conviction can result in a permanent record, potential jail time, and serious academic consequences like suspension or expulsion.
Many students are unsure how to handle these charges, or even afraid to tell their families. But going it alone is risky. Early legal guidance can make all the difference in protecting your record and your future.
If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation at Yale, don’t wait. Contact a trusted Yale University student defense lawyer in New Haven today to understand your rights and take the first step toward resolving your case.
The Yale University Police Department
The Yale University Police Department is made up of 87 sworn uniformed police officers who patrol and conduct law enforcement business with the same authority as any New Haven Connecticut police officer. As top Yale University arrest criminal lawyers know, a 911 call made in the vicinity of Yale University will go directly to the Yale University Police Department dispatch. Offenses committed further away from campus, however, will be handled by the New Haven Police Department. If you are arrested by the Yale University Police, then you will first be required to report to the New Haven Superior Court, Part B division. If you have a serious felony arrest at Yale / New Haven, then your arrest will be transferred once more, but this time to the Part A Division.
The Most Common Yale University Arrests
Many Yale University student arrests result from alcohol or drug related offenses. These offenses may include Yale underage drinking and drug arrests, under 21 DUIs / DWIs, and Yale University narcotics possession crimes, such as possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia or Oxycontin. Yale University police also aggressively pursue Yale University Fake ID / Forgery arrests, as many Yale and UConn undergraduate students use Fake IDs to get into bars and buy alcohol. Sex assault arrests by Yale University police are less common but have been on the rise in college campuses around the nation. Finally, according to recent Yale Police Department statistics, larceny arrests catching thieves of cell phones, computers and other portable property are the most frequently committed crimes on campus. Regardless of the type of arrest, however, it is critical that you and your top New Haven Connecticut criminal lawyer carefully prepare your defense with the goal of getting your Yale University arrest dismissed as quickly as possible.
Yale Arrests for Under 21 DUIs / DWIs – CGS 14-227g
Yale New Haven arrests for DUIs / DWIs are difficult enough to fight when you are of legal drinking age. No matter how old you are, if you have been arrested at Yale New Haven for DUI / DWI, then the first issue you need to resolve is whether you should take the breath test. This is a difficult question and that’s why Yale New Haven police will give you the opportunity to call a top Yale New Haven Connecticut criminal lawyer to discuss whether you should submit to a breathalyzer test during your 14-227a Yale New Haven DUI / DWI arrest. If you are under 21, then the penalties for refusing a breath test can be an even lengthier suspension of your driver’s license, so be sure to consult with a top Yale New Haven criminal attorney lawyer prior to refusing any breath test.
You should also understand the criminal penalties if you are convicted of underage DUI / DWI pursuant to C.G.S. 14-227g. These penalties can include up to 6 months in jail, fines, probation, and a lengthy license suspension. On top of all of this, your guilty plea and conviction will show up on every employment background check. Follow this link for more information on fighting underage DUI / DWI arrests in Connecticut.
Finally, if you are not driving but have been given a ticket at Yale University for being a minor in possession of alcohol in violation of C.G.S. 30-89, or felony providing alcohol to minors in violation of C.G.S. 30-86(b)(2) (i.e. hosting a Yale University underage drinking party), then you should not just plead guilty and mail in your ticket. The ticket you are issued is not at all like a traffic ticket and it can have more severe consequences. To learn more about fighting Minor in Possession of Alcohol charges, click here.
Yale Marijuana Possession Arrests on the Yale Campus
The recent changes in Connecticut law regarding marijuana possession have confused many people in Connecticut. Even Yale University students…who may not appreciate the distinction between marijuana being “decriminalized” versus being “illegal.” Top Yale University / New Haven Connecticut marijuana lawyers can explain that C.G.S. 21a-279a forbids you from possessing less than one-half ounce of marijuana if you do not have a medical marijuana license. It is also illegal under C.G.S. 21a-267(d) to possess any kind of drug paraphernalia, even if you don’t have any marijuana on your possession.
Despite it being illegal, however, it is not a crime. Rather, marijuana possession at Yale University is an infraction, meaning you will be issued a summons to which you can plead guilty by mail: $150 for first offenses, and $500 for second and subsequent offenses. Connecticut police generally tell college students: “it’s not a crime…just send the ticket in, pay the fine and it’s no big deal.” Not quite. A guilty plea to a Yale New Haven Connecticut marijuana possession ticket, unlike a guilty plea to an ordinary speeding ticket, will leave a permanent mark on your record. Every background check for the rest of your life will show a marijuana possession guilty plea, so be sure to contact a top Yale New Haven marijuana possession lawyer attorney to discuss how you can fight your ticket, or how you can reverse your Connecticut marijuana possession guilty plea by mail and undo the damage done to your reputation . Finally, Yale University students should also be aware that if you are under 21, then in addition to a blemished background check, a guilty plea to a Connecticut marijuana possession ticket will result in a mandatory 60-day license suspension by the DMV.
Yale Prescription Drug Arrests
Drug arrests at Yale University and other Connecticut college campuses are certainly not limited to just marijuana. Recently students have increasingly begun using prescription drugs, recreationally. Academic and social pressures have resulted in students abusing prescription drugs like Adderall, Oxycontin, and Vicodin. Because of how dangerous and addictive these drugs are on college campuses, police are aggressively prosecuting these crimes and expelling students for distributing and abusing Adderall, Oxycontin, and other drugs. So if you are caught at Yale University for dealing, distributing or possessing Adderall, Oxycontin or Vicodin without a valid prescription, you will be arrested and charged with Possession of Narcotics under C.G.S. 21a-279. This same crime also covers the sale or possession of illegal drugs like cocaine or Molly. Click here for more information about fighting Connecticut Possession of Narcotics arrests in New Haven. These are serious felony crimes that carry stiff mandatory minimum jail sentences in many cases. So if you are arrested in Yale New Haven for Possession of Narcotics, you should contact a top Yale New Haven criminal drug attorney to fight your case and craft the strongest possible defense.
Fighting Yale University Fake ID Arrests
Along with many teenagers around the country, Yale University students have long been using Fake IDs to purchase alcohol and get into college bars. While it may seem harmless, possessing a Fake ID or driver’s license in Connecticut is actually a felony crime in Connecticut. Possessing a Fake ID falls under the umbrella of the Connecticut crime of Forgery in the Second Degree under C.G.S. 53a-139. The best Yale New Haven Connecticut lawyers and attorneys know that you can get arrested for Forgery in the Second Degree for just having a Fake ID in your wallet, even if you do not show your Fake ID to anyone. To learn more about fighting Yale University Fake ID arrests, click here.
Fighting Yale University School Discipline Proceedings & Yale Expulsion Hearings
If you are a Yale University student arrested by Yale University or New Haven Police, then, in addition to your criminal case, Yale University may initiate disciplinary or expulsion proceedings against you. In certain cases, you may lose scholarship moneys or receive permanent markings on your Yale University transcript. In certain cases, you may not get arrested, but may still face Yale University disciplinary proceedings for conduct that is not criminal but still in violation of Yale University’s student code of conduct, such as plagiarism, cheating, sexual harassment, academic dishonesty or hazing. Know, however, that you have rights against Yale and do not have to go it alone against Yale University and their team of attorneys. A top Yale New Haven school attorney can advise you of your rights and advise you during these proceedings. The last thing you want as a Yale University student is a tainted academic record that will make it difficult for you to get into graduate school or find a job. For more information on Yale University expulsion and school disciplinary proceedings, click here.
Yale University Hazing, Sex Assault & Rape Investigations
Sexual assault, rape and hazing allegations are very hot topics on college campuses. As these offenses have grown in number and notoriety, colleges like Yale University have developed zero tolerance for sex assault, rape and hazing, launching aggressive investigations when an accusation is reported to school authorities. If you are accused of hazing, sex assault, or rape at Yale University, then you should contact a top Yale New Haven criminal lawyer attorney to assist you. Remember, everything you say to Yale faculty or investigators can be used against you in a school or criminal investigation. Nothing is off the record.
Contact a Yale University Student Defense Attorney
Whether you’re dealing with a criminal charge, an infraction for marijuana or alcohol possession, or facing disciplinary action that could lead to suspension or expulsion, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting. As a Yale undergraduate or graduate student, your academic and professional future is on the line.
The attorneys at Mark Sherman Law have extensive experience defending Yale students in both criminal and school disciplinary proceedings. From arrest to expulsion hearings, we’ve helped students navigate the complex intersection of university policy and Connecticut law.
Don’t take chances with your future. Contact a Yale university student defense lawyer at Mark Sherman Law today.