Criminal Defense Attorney for UMD Students
College students face certain challenges living away from their parents for the first time. The pressures of an increased workload, often combined with frequent alcohol consumption, can lead them to make some poor decisions. College students may end up getting into trouble, and even having criminal charges filed against them.
If you or another University of Maryland student in your life has been charged with a criminal offense, you don’t have to go through it alone. Make sure that you have an experienced, dedicated attorney on your side as navigate the legal system to create the best possible circumstances for your or your child’s future. Contact the criminal defense lawyers for UMD students at Rice, Murtha & Psoras by calling (410) 431-0911 for assistance with your criminal case.
Common Criminal Charges for College Students in Maryland
College campuses are stimulating, and even disorienting at times. The party scene and the stress that comes from studying for long hours can create conditions that may lead to destructive, harmful, or illegal behavior. While college students are adults capable of committing virtually any crime, there are certain crimes that are especially common among college students:
Sexual Assault
College may be the first time that many people are confronted with difficult issues of consent for sexual intercourse. Especially when alcohol is involved, many misunderstandings and high-pressure situations can lead to accusations of sexual assault or sexual misconduct. If you or your child has had sexual assault charges filed against them, it is vital to get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your due process rights and fight the charges against you.
Substance Use and Possession
The culture of frequent partying on college campuses often creates a dangerous environment. Students found in possession of drugs can be charged with drug possession or drug distribution crimes. A qualified legal professional can fight to make sure that your rights are respected as your case moves through the legal system.
Underage Drinking
College students that drink alcohol while they are under the age of 21 could face underage drinking charges. An underage drinking charge encompasses not only drinking alcohol but possessing, purchasing, or attempting to purchase alcohol. These charges can result in fines and other penalties that could hurt your freedom and your future.
DWI/DUI
Frequent consumption of alcohol may increase the likelihood that a student drives while intoxicated. If a student is under the age of 21 and they drive with a blood alcohol concentration above .02%, they will be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). If they are over 21 and their BAC is between a .07 and a .08, they will be charged with driving while impaired (DWI); if it is above a .08 or they are otherwise intoxicated, they will be charged with DUI.
Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct
Acting boisterous while under the influence or behaving in a disruptive manner in a public place such as a street, sidewalk, or parking lot may result in charges for public intoxication or disorderly conduct. These penalties can be surprisingly severe and may disrupt your life with hearings and penalties.
Destruction of Property
College students may make destructive and illegal decisions, especially if they are spurred on by intoxication, hazing, or peer pressure. This may include destruction of property, whether it be a home, car, mailbox, or personal possessions. These charges can require restitution and jail time for serious offenses.
Cyber Crimes
College students spend a lot of time on their computers. While much of their online use is productive, sometimes it can lead them to more nefarious corners of the web. Cyber crimes include stalking and cyber harassment, charges for copyright violation, and child pornography charges. If you or your child has been charged with a cyber crime, get in touch with a licensed attorney as soon as possible.
Legal Help for University of Maryland Students Charged with Crimes
Randolph Rice can help students at the University of Maryland with their criminal charges. If the charged student is facing their first offense, then it is likely that the court will be lenient with them, under most circumstances. College students are sometimes more likely to be offered participation in a diversionary program such as a community service program or alcohol abuse counseling as a punishment instead of harsher penalties.
The attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras can assist students with enrollment in these programs. After completing penalties, our lawyers can also fight to seal and expunge records so that they do not affect your chances of future employment, education, or housing.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for University of Maryland Students
College can be a stressful time. The demands of school, making new friends, and planning for a career should be every college student’s focus, not defending themselves against criminal charges. Let the trained attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras help you or your child defend against criminal charges so that you can focus on what’s important: getting a good education. Talk to our defense attorneys for UMD students as soon as possible by calling (410) 431-0911.