College Crimes Attorney Serving Springfield, Massachusetts

Your college years are full of their own set of unique challenges. Life is constantly changing and presenting new difficulties. When a challenging situation arises, it’s not always easy to make the right decision. During your college years, you might make serious mistakes that lead to trouble with the law. 

An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your legal options during this difficult time. I know how important your college years are to both your present and your future. With my knowledge of evidence and the law from more than 20 years of practice, I am confident in my ability to provide strong legal representation.

My firm, the Law Office of Joseph M Pacella, serves clients in Springfield, Massachusetts, and throughout Western and Central Massachusetts, including Northampton, Westfield, Amherst, and Palmer.

What Is a College Crime?

There are several different acts that could be considered college crimes. Some of the most common college crimes are:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Hazing

• Resisting arrest

• Violation of a restraining order

• Minor in possession of alcohol

• Minor transporting alcohol

• Sex crimes

• Larceny (theft)

• Disorderly conduct

Some of the more serious crimes include possession of drugs, inciting a riot, assault and battery, and assault and battery on a police officer.

Possible Penalties

If you have been charged with a crime on your college campus, you could be facing consequences from both your university and the criminal justice system.

It’s possible that you could face expulsion and you may no longer be able to finish your degree at that university. You may also face financial consequences, such as losing scholarships or other financial aid.

When it comes to the consequences you could face in the criminal justice system, the severity of the penalty will depend on the severity of the charge. Massachusetts does not break down crimes into specific classifications, such as Class C misdemeanor, Class 2 felony, etc. However, in Massachusetts, a felony is any crime that mandates state prison time as opposed to county jail time.

For example, an assault and battery charge that does not result in serious injuries has the consequence of a maximum sentence of 30 months of incarceration and/or a fine of $1,000.

Possible Defenses

There are several possible defenses for a college student facing a criminal charge. The best defense will depend on the facts of your case.

One typical defense for larceny (theft) is that you did not knowingly take the property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it without the owner’s permission. Another possible defense is that you were wrongly or falsely accused of the crime.

Self-defense, defense of others, and defense of property also apply in many cases. Lastly, it’s possible to build your defense on inconsistencies in the evidence or an error during the investigation.

Turn to Reliable Representation

The consequences of a conviction for college crimes can be serious and permanently affect your future. It’s important that you take the time to understand your legal options and make the best decisions for you. With the help of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, you can make more informed decisions during this difficult time.