As a college student, being accused of a crime can be an overwhelming and scary experience. Whether what you are being accused of accusation something minor, such as underage drinking; or a more serious offense, such as assault or theft, the consequences can negatively impact not only your legal position but also your career and academic future. Navigating this situation is crucial, and it’s important to know your rights and take the right steps.
Here’s what you need to know about what to do if you’re a college student accused of a crime.
Try to Stay Calm
Although it can be challenging and anxiety-filled, staying calm is the first and foremost thing you must do. Staying calm will prevent poor in-the-moment decisions, that can potentially be used against you. Keeping a calm demeanor will allow you to prevent saying any unnecessary things out of emotion. It will also allow you to avoid any statements before speaking to a lawyer, admit guilt, avoid any confrontations with the person accusing you and their witnesses.
Be respectful with any police, school officials, and school and campus security. You have the right to remain silent until you receive legal representation.
Take a deep breath, keep your emotions in check, and be cool.
Understand Your Rights
Being a college student comes with the rights under your respective school’s code of conduct and your lawful legal rights. Understand both your student rights and legal rights to protect yourself from unfair treatment.
Student Rights:
- Right to a Hearing
- Right to an Appeal Process
As a student, you have the right to a hearing and an appeal process with the university to attest any wrongdoings you may have been accused of. Each university has their own specific handbook with specific rules and their own school Code of Conduct and checking it on how they handle would be very important.
Legal Rights:
- Right to Remain Silent: You don’t have to answer questions from police without an attorney there and present
- Right to An Attorney: You have the right to legal representation. Make sure you have an experienced and trusted attorney. Try going for one that has experience in handling cases for criminal law and college students.
- Right to Due Process: You are innocent until proven guilty.
Reach out to a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately
Find a lawyer that specializes in criminal defense, preferably an attorney that is familiar with college cases or local rules and laws within your specific college town or city. For example, Jason Dunkle is a State College criminal lawyer who has been helping and handling college students at Penn State University.
Getting someone to represent you that knows and has experience with the local area is important and will help you greatly. Do not rely on school officials, family or friends independently; legal representation is key and assures your safety.
If finances become an issue when seeking a lawyer for legal representation, reach out to a public defender or see if your college offers free legal services.
Contacting an attorney, even if whatever you are accused is minor, is essential. The legal system is a complex system, and you never know what obstacles can happen unexpectedly. An experienced state college criminal attorney will guide who through the complex and overwhelming legal process, ensure your rights are protected, and assist in building your defense against the accusations against you.
Understand Your Academic Consequences
Each university has their own respective disciplinary processes regarding academic consequences and standing. Suspensions, being expelled, or other academic penalties can arise. What you can do is meet with school officials to understand the accusations and potential charges against you and how they plan to handle it.
Once that happens, work alongside your lawyer to prepare for any hearings with the school’s board. Working with your lawyer can help present your side of the story and protect you and the future of your academic career.
Gather Any Information, Evidence, and Witnesses
Any information, evidence and witnesses are critical in order to defend yourself against any accusations against you.
Some tips to gather these things include:
- Check security footage, see if any witnesses can help.
- Gather text messages, posts or direct messages on social media, or emails that have evidence that prove you’re innocent
Remember and gather any information and evidence, and key individuals and document it, as any aspect will support your defense.
Stay Focused on Your Studies
Although it can be very hard to stay on top of schoolwork during this stressful process, it is important to prioritize and not neglect your academics and your coursework. Here are some tips on how to not neglect your academics and keep focus and concentration on your studies:
- Reach out to academic advisor: let them know about the personal issues you are dealing with. This will allow them to handle your academic situation appropriately.
- Get mental health support: Universities offer free counseling services to help their students go through stressful and overwhelming situation. You can also seek an outside source for any mental health needs as well.
- Communicate with your professors: Explain to them your situation and ask for extensions or their support.
Informing the right schools officials and seeking help if needed are going to be essential in order to focus on your studies throughout the stressful process.
Prepare in Case Things Do Not Go In Your Favor
Always remain hopeful, however, in the case that things do not swing in your favor, it is important to prepare and plan for all potential outcomes. Being criminally convicted, depending on how serious it is, can affect your future employment, your personal record, financial aid, and your overall ability to stay in school.
Talking about having a defense strategy for the worst-case outcome with your attorney can be beneficial for you academically and legally.
Academically, mention the possibility of appealing the decision if faced with suspension, being expelled, or not being able to graduate.
Legally, bring up the possibilities of plea deals, reduced charges, or alternatives to probable sentencing; such as counseling or community service.
Moving Forward
Being criminally accused as a college student can be overwhelming, intimidating, and can cause anxiety because it is life-altering. Remaining aware, informed, and coherent with your respective university and legal team is very crucial. Understanding your rights, seeking experienced and trusted attorneys, and staying focused with the academic and legal side can better protect your future.
This process is challenging, but with the patience, right legal guidance, and trusted support system, you will have the ability to move forward and find the best focus on your personal academic and long-term success.