College Crimes Attorney

Lawyer for College Students Facing Crimes in Pennsylvania

Look for an aggressive, experienced criminal attorney when you or your college-age child is facing criminal charges, or court action or have questions on the implications of a citation, a charge, or a criminal complaint on your criminal record, your college record, and how it could impact you graduating, going to graduate school or getting a job.

College Time Offenses Do not Automatically Disappear

Of course, it would be great if the saying was true….” what happens at college, stays in college.”  We live in a transparent society with little privacy.  Moments after a college student is served with a citation or summons for a minor or major offense including but not limited to underage drinking, fake ID, retail theft, marijuana possession or drug paraphernalia breaking and entering or harassment, or simple assault; that offense is processed and available online at the Pennsylvania portal.

In many cases that offense, whether it happened on campus at a school like West Chester University or Penn State, Villanova or St. Joe’s; or off campus in towns like West Chester, Villanova, Malvern or Philadelphia, the notice will be sent to permanent residence (ie. your parent’s house).  What could be worse than your parents finding out?  What could be worse is a college student trying to handle the legal matter alone and then learning all too late about the consequences.

Common Types of College Crimes You Could Be Charged With 

In every situation, you are considered innocent until proven guilty. Considering that, it does not matter what type of college crime case you are facing. You can expect our legal team to remain by your side throughout this process. We handle most types of college crimes, providing our clients with hands-on support for whatever they are battling.

Some of the most common types of college crimes include:

• Sexual-related crimes, including sexual assault
• Assault crimes, including those that may be related to alcohol consumption
• Disorderly conduct crimes (these are not always simple and easy-to-fight charges)
• Alcoholic beverages on campus claims
• Driving under the influence
• Cocaine or other drug possession on campus
• Stealing charges on campus

If you are charged with any type of college crime, know your rights. They start with understanding what you are charged with and what evidence is present in the case. Whether you are facing a slap on the hand or a more serious complication to your criminal record, you need a trusted defense attorney by your side.

Determining Your Options in a College Crimes Case

As experienced attorneys with a history of representing our college students, we know that every charge is serious and can feel life-threatening. When you make a mistake, or anger gets the best of you, you may think you have no options to move forward. That is not the case.

Nearly all of our clients have an opportunity to fight back against the charges against them. In most situations, you will gain insight into your legal options during our first meeting. Some examples of the types of legal defense strategies that may be an option in your case include the following.

Self-Defense

If you are in a fight with another person, you may be able to fight back against those charges by proving self-defense. This does not apply to all cases, but if you are able to show that the other party was aggressive or threatening, it may be a viable option.

False Accusations

Unfortunately, this is one of the most common situations for college students. If someone accuses you of a crime, you may find it impossible to prove you did not do it. It may come down to your word against theirs. Our goal in this situation is to find any available evidence to support your case and use character traits to help you. By doing this, we can cast some level of doubt that may help you win your case.

False Identification

Another strategy that may apply in some situations is to show that you were falsely identified. Many times, this can happen if a person is in the wrong place at the wrong time. It can occur if a person facing a drastic injury or complicated health matter does not remember who caused them this pain but believes you look like that person.

We provide individualized attention to our clients’ needs. There are no two cases that are the same. Expect us to create a defense strategy that represents your best outcome.

Know the Risks By Meeting with Our Team

As you work to address the charges against you, we encourage you to meet with our criminal defense attorney as a first step. During this initial meeting, we will discuss your case at length. This includes talking to you about the specific evidence against you and why the college or police are putting this blame on you.

After fully understanding your case, our legal team goes to work for you. We research what occurred and find evidence that disputes their claim. We also will work to identify any witnesses who could help you navigate these legal matters.

We serve as a resource for you. Our attorneys can answer questions and provide you with comprehensive insight into what your legal options are. Ask us questions, discuss the “what ifs” with us, and get ideas on the opportunities that may be available to reduce your charges.

Developing a Strong Relationship with You

One of the ways our law firm stands out as a resource for college students is because we truly care about you. College students charged with crimes are nearly always faced with a lifetime of challenges, and often, they just do not deserve those types of impactful outcomes. Our team gets to know you, learns why you are in this situation and can provide you with true advocacy. We do not leave your side through this process.

The school’s resource team is not enough. If you turn to these professionals for the help you need, you may find that you simply cannot win your case. There are better alternatives, and hiring our legal team is the best option for many clients. We will represent you in every way we can, including:

• Interviewing witnesses to find holes in the stories
• Gathering statements from others that could prove that you did not commit the crime you are charged with
• Determining what types of miscommunications could be occurring
• Fighting to protect your future by working to reduce your charges, if applicable
• Giving you the confidence you need to stand up to those accusing you of a crime you did not commit.

Even if there is evidence to prove you are guilty, you have rights. You always have the right to legal counsel to support you throughout this legal matter. In our law firm, our goal is to always pursue innocence. If we cannot do that, or that is not what you desire, we will work to provide the best possible outcome. That could be reducing your charges or getting the consequences lowered.

You are facing a big fight. There is quite a bit on the line. You need a team committed and trusted to provide you with the confidence you need. Put your trust in a team dedicated to your best outcome. Know that our legal team is always ready to talk to you. 

Seek An Aggressive Lawyer Reading to Contest an Illegal Arrest 

You and your parents have spent good money and time investing in your future.  Make sure that you are not the victim of a constitutional infringement such as an illegal stop or illegal search or violation of your Miranda’s rights.  It is important to know your rights before you plead guilty to a drug possession charge such as a small amount of marijuana or accept a plea to charges such as underage drinking or drunk driving (DUI).  Learn more by contacting our legal team and learn about College Crimes and Offenses.

Area Colleges and Universities

West Chester University,

700 S High Street 

West Chester PA 1983

 

Widener University

One university Place

Chester PA 19013

 

University of Phoenix

1170 Devon Park

Wayne PA 19087

 

University of Pennsylvania

3451 Walnut St

Philadelphia 19104

 

Drexel University

3141 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia PA

 

Villanova University 

800 E. Lancaster Ave

Radnor, PA 19085

 

Newman University

1 Neumann Dr

Aston PA 19014

 

Penn State University

30 E Swedesford Road

Malvern PA 19355

 

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) 

750 Pennsylvania Drive

Exton PA 19341

 

Devereux School

600 W. Boot Road

Downingtown PA 19335

 

St. Joseph’s University 

5600 City Avenue

Philadelphia PA 19131

 

Delaware County Community College (DCCC) 901 Media Line Road

Media PA 19063

 

Immaculata University

1145 King Road, Immaculata PA 19345

 

Philadelphia University

4201 Henry Avenue

Philadelphia PA 19144

Experienced Defense Lawyer for College & University Students