For some reason, many schools throughout the U.S. are under the impression they can unlawfully deprive a student of their fundamental Constitutional rights, and they are wrong. Due process is very relevant in a school environment and school officials must provide its students fair and impartial treatment.
If you or a loved one find yourself facing charges stemming from an incident on a college campus or even from high school, do not delay in contacting an experienced New Jersey student defense lawyer. A criminal defense attorney can examine the details of your case, recommend the best steps for moving forward, and make sure that all your rights are properly protected.
Students Aged 25 and YoungerYoung people, particularly those under the age of 25, are biologically susceptible to make poor decisions. Many studies have demonstrated that the average human brain does not fully mature until an individual has reached the age of approximately 25.
This is due to a part of the human brain called the prefrontal cortex, which is heavily involved with judgment, impulse control, focus, and most importantly, logical thinking.
Interestingly, this is why many insurance companies lower rates once an individual has reached the age of 25.
Mistakes Made on Campus – Disciplinary ActionsOnce the school catches wind of the alleged unlawful conduct, they will initiate the proper investigatory proceedings. Many times these proceedings can be found in a code of student conduct or other similar resources.
It is critical that a school follow the proper process in conducting this disciplinary investigation.
The investigation must be conducted in an impartial manner and the school must provide the student with some sort of hearing on the issue at hand before it makes a final determination as to any sanctions to be imposed.
Mistakes Made on Campus – Criminal ChargesIn addition to facing disciplinary actions from the school, individuals may also be charged with criminal offenses as a result of their actions. This is especially common with drug-related offenses.
Although the thought of being suspended or even expelled from a school can be terrifying, the implications of being convicted of a serious crime can be potentially devastating on a student’s ability to seek work in the future.
This is why it is critical to mount a proper defense to any alleged offense with a student defense attorney in New Jersey and fight to avoid a conviction at all costs.
Common Student-Related ChargesStudents make all sorts of silly mistakes. Some of the most common charges New Jersey student defense lawyers see that often lead to disciplinary action include:
- Drinking on campus
- Being found in possession of drugs (on campus and off)
- Sex-related charges
- Assault
- Theft
- Disorderly Conduct
An education is an amazing thing to have, students should not feel like they cannot obtain a good education just because of a poor judgment call in their youth.
If you or a loved one has been arrested on a school campus or is facing disciplinary action for an alleged violation of a code of student conduct, contact an experienced New Jersey student defense lawyer today.
Attorneys who have experience in a school setting are particularly familiar with the various procedures and other due process requirements that must be followed by a school.
In some instances, if a school fails to afford a student proper due process, they may be precluded from imposing any sort of sanction for the alleged conduct.