College Campus Crimes

Massachusetts criminal offenses involving college students can have serious consequences. A Massachusetts criminal conviction can impose major limitations on your ability to enter a particular career field and accomplish your career and educational goals. Attorney DelSignore has represented college students throughout the State of Massachusetts and understands the importance of a favorable resolution of any felony or misdemeanor criminal charge at a college campus.

It is common for college students to face the following type of criminal charges:

OUI: operating under the influence of alcohol.

Assault and Battery: a fight that breaks out on a college campus or at a local college bar could result in charges of assault and battery being brought.

Larceny: theft of school property or the property of another student can result in larceny charges being brought.

• Violation of a Restraining Order or 209A order
• Indecent Assault and Battery
• Sex Crimes

The majority of college and university students are over the age of eighteen, making them subject to the same criminal laws as any other adult. Their status as a student does not grant them immunity from the law, and campuses must enforce all the laws of the Commonwealth. As a result, many colleges employ security departments that work in tandem with local police departments to prevent and investigate criminal activity.

Criminal activity is unfortunately common on college campuses. Many accusations have to do with alcohol or drugs. Underage drinking is the source of many arrests. Not only will police charge the person consuming the alcohol, but they may also arrest the people supplying the alcohol. In addition, there mere possession of an illegal substance is grounds for the police to make an arrest.

More severe accusations involve crimes against other people. Simple assaults and stalking are becoming more prevalent, and the most severe of these sorts of accusations—those of sexual assault—are gaining more exposure in the public eye. It is important to remember that even if it was the campus police who responded to a complaint, they must report the complaint to the local police department.

All colleges and universities employ a code of conduct that all members of the campus must follow, including students, staff, and faculty. The school will employ an investigative board to investigate all allegations of breaches of this code of conduct. Naturally, an arrest for a crime constitutes a violation.

Every campus is different, but in general, an investigation could involve the gathering of all documentation, including a police report and court records; interviewing all witnesses; and speaking with the student accused of the crime. In some schools, the student may bring representation into the interview. However, others require the student to appear alone.

These inquiries have immense power over the student’s future at the school. Even if the student does not face a criminal conviction, a mere accusation can have a negative impact. The board has the power to:

• Force a change in residence on campus
• Revoke privileges, such as athletic participation
• Suspend a student
• Expel a student

Attorney DelSignore is an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer that has represented college students throughout the state. Call for a free consultation at 508-455-4755 or 781-686-5924.