Middlesex County Student Defense Lawyer

As a student facing criminal charges or on-campus discipline, contacting an attorney to represent you and your interests is among one of the most important choices you can make. Charges stemming from on-campus incidents can threaten more than just your reputation. They are a serious threat to your future education, career, and personal freedom. Mounting an effective, well-reasoned defense in these situations can help minimize harm to your future.

If you are facing charges arising from an on-campus incident, you are entitled to representation. An experienced Middlesex County student defense lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and your legal rights. A skilled criminal attorney could work closely with you to develop a sound defense strategy to meet these charges head-on and work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for you.

College campuses are places of higher learning intended to enrich students’ minds and help usher in a new generation of thinkers. Part of this experience is a sense of freedom and independence not often felt until the transition into college. With this new-found freedom, students can occasionally find themselves in less-than-ideal situations and, through these situations, come into contact with campus security or local law enforcement.

Some of the most common on-campus infractions include:      

• Possession, use, or sale of drugs       
• Alcohol-related offenses      
• Domestic violence      
• Sexual crimes     
• Assault    
• Breaking and entering       
• Theft, burglary, and other property-related crimes

Depending on the magnitude of the alleged offense, it may be handled discretely by on-campus authorities or, in some situations, law enforcement may become involved. In either situation, it is the legal right of any student facing allegations of criminal behavior or disorderly conduct to have legal representation, which is why it is important to work with a Middlesex County student defense lawyer.

An often-overlooked aspect of criminal charges for students is the effect a criminal conviction has on financial aid, a critical component of higher education for many students. For example, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) asks applicants to disclose convictions for drug offenses. Students who were convicted of such offenses may no longer qualify for federal student aid.

Aside from the clear danger of a criminal conviction, a college student facing charges may experience many other difficulties as well. Institutions of higher learning such as colleges and universities often have their own rules, regulations, and codes of conduct governing how students behave.

Even if someone can escape criminal conviction for an alleged offense, a student may still face on-campus disciplinary action or may be forced to justify their behavior to an on-campus disciplinary body. On-campus disciplinary action is frequently separate and distinct from formal criminal charges. However, it may still affect a student’s ability to maintain enrollment, collect scholarships, and participate fully in on-campus activities.

Students facing consequences of alleged actions on campus are often caught in between two separate systems: on-campus disciplinary systems and the criminal justice system. A knowledgeable attorney can help students navigate both these systems.

Criminal charges are potentially life-altering, affecting your personal, academic, and professional future. Retaining experienced legal representation is an important step to protecting your future from the harm that can come with such charges.

If you are a college or university student facing criminal or on-campus charges, contact a lawyer today. Allow a seasoned Middlesex County student defense lawyer to work zealously to protect your future.