Crimes on College Campuses

The end of summer is the time when many teenagers head back to college for the upcoming school year. While this can be an emotional time for parents, it can also be a scary one. Reviewing some of the most common types of crimes that occur on college campuses can help you and your family prepare for a safe school year.

The Most Common College Campus Crimes

Here are a few of the most common college campus crimes:

Underage Drinking

Underage drinking is one of the leading causes of criminal charges at college. Students may attend parties or engage in underage drinking while meeting new friends. While this may seem like an innocent behavior at the time, it can actually lead to long-lasting charges including legal fines of at least $500 and even jail time.

Theft

Theft frequently occurs on college campuses. The close proximity of student rooms and easy access to valuables may tempt others to steal. When sending your teen to college, make sure they have a way to secure their valuables when they’re not in the room.

Assault

Assault can also occur as students get used to their surroundings and roommates. Additionally, alcohol consumption can also increase the occurrences of assault. Assault charges can be severe, often leading to fines of up to $1,000 or a maximum of six months in jail.

Sexual Crimes

You often hear about sexual crimes in the news on college campuses. Some students may be the victim of date rape drugs. Others may be taken advantage of while under the influence of a substance. Some students may even receive charges, or be placed on the sex offender’s list, for public displays of nudity.

Drug Crimes

As students begin to find their new group of friends in college, they may experiment with illegal drugs. Drugs may also be easily accessible at college parties. Drug crimes in New Jersey often lead to long-lasting consequences. Students can be charged with possession or use of illegal drugs. They may also be charged with the distribution of illegal substances, which can lead to even worse consequences. Some students may also try illegal prescription drugs to combat anxiety or fatigue.

These are just a few of the most common crimes that occur on campus. For most, this is the student’s first time living on their own. This may lead them to make bad decisions or not consider the legal consequences. However, it’s important to consider the consequences ahead of time as they can not only have an effect on their time spent in college but also their future.

Don’t Ignore Criminal Charges

If your teen is dealing with pending criminal charges, it’s important that they not only consider their potential consequences but also their options. Accepting the first deal they receive could lead to expensive fines and even jail time. Even once your teen serves their time and completes the details of their parole, it’s possible that the school will expel them. This may stay on their permanent record, making it difficult to apply to other colleges or find employment.

Contact an Experienced Camden County Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your College Charges in New Jersey

Were you arrested or charged with a college crime in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Gelman Law have successfully represented clients charged with criminal charges at college in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-861-4236or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 850 Rt 70 West Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.