Orlando College Campus Crime Lawyer
For many of us, college is the first time we are able to live on our own as adults. But with these newfound freedoms comes a host of responsibilities. Unfortunately, this can include being accused of a serious criminal offense.
When a college student is accused of a crime, they often face the additional burden of university disciplinary proceedings. This can make it difficult to mount an effective criminal defense in court. An experienced Orlando college campus crime lawyer can provide you with invaluable assistance in this scenario. The Joshi Law Firm is a full-service Central Florida criminal defense firm that has helped many college students, and their families, navigate the complexities of university and criminal defense proceedings. We will not allow any institution to violate your civil liberties or due process rights.
University Disciplinary Proceedings vs. Criminal Charges
Obviously, Florida criminal law applies to acts that occur on any college or university campus. Some of the more common college campus crimes we see students charged with include:
- driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- underage drinking;
- possession of controlled substances;
- robbery, burglary, and theft;
- assault and battery; and
- sexual assault.
Florida colleges and universities have their own disciplinary procedures for handling allegations made against students. This can include allegations involving off-campus activities. A critical consideration is that anything a student says to a university official–or even a fellow student acting on the school’s behalf–may be used as evidence against not just in an disciplinary proceeding, but also any subsequent criminal trial.
For this reason, you should always invoke your constitutional right to remain silent. You definitely should not speak to anyone about a pending or potential criminal charge without first speaking to a lawyer. Remember, the university is never on your side. Their first priority is to protect the institution, not any individual student.
Another thing to remember is that there is no such thing as “double jeopardy” when it comes to a college or university disciplinary proceeding. Say you are accused of sexually assaulting another student on campus. A university hearing clears you of any wrongdoing. That will not prevent a Florida State Attorney from deciding to pursue criminal charges against you based on the same allegations. The criminal justice system is not bound by the decisions of a college or university.
The reverse is equally true. The state may decide an allegation against you does not warrant a criminal charge. Your school or university could still find you liable for the alleged conduct and take administrative action against you, including suspension or expulsion.
Let Our Orlando College Campus Crime Lawyers Help You Today
College is a stressful enough experience for most people without criminal accusations hanging over their head. Fortunately, you do not have to deal with such allegations on your own. Our Orlando college campus crime attorneys are here to help. If you need to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, call the Joshi Law Firm, PA, at 844-GO-JOSHI today to schedule a free consultation.
