If you are a college student in New Jersey and you are arrested and charged with a crime, you likely have many concerns including whether your college will find out about the charges and, if so, what the consequences might be.
Most students at New Jersey colleges and universities like Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, have worked hard to be admitted to their competitive educational institutions, but they are still young, human, and make mistakes. College is a time when young adults learn a lot about the world and themselves, but sometimes that involves mistakes that they will later regret.
If you are a Rutgers student and you find yourself in the difficult situation of being charged with disorderly conduct, DWI, shoplifting, underage drinking, or any other offense under New Jersey law, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. You and your parents have likely invested a considerable amount of money into your education and a conviction could jeopardize your future. Call the criminal defense lawyers at William Proetta Criminal Law in Middlesex County at (732) 659-9600 to review your case. We provide consultations free of charge.
What Crimes Can Get Me in Trouble With My University in NJ?
Any disorderly persons offense or indictable offense that violates your university’s rules, like the Rutgers University Code of Conduct, may subject you to disciplinary action from your university. While most Rutgers students are law-abiding, some common offenses of those accused of a crimes in New Jersey include driving under the influence, resisting arrest, assault, theft, false identification (fake IDs), drug offenses, providing alcohol to a minor, and sexual assault. In some cases, people just make mistakes while drinking alcohol or caught up in the heat of the moment. In other situations, a person is falsely accused of something they didn’t even do. Regardless of the situation, criminal charges must be met with an aggressive defense strategy.
Can My College Find Out About My Criminal Charges?
If you have ever been arrested, have a pending charge or a previous conviction at the time you are submitting an application for admission to a New Jersey college like Rutgers University, you will likely have to disclose that on your application.
After being enrolled, if you commit a crime on or near the Rutgers campus, the Rutgers University Police Department may be directly involved or the school may receive a crime alert of the offense, if it occurred near campus. Charges for disorderly persons offenses committed on or near the Rutgers campus in New Brunswick will be heard at the New Brunswick Municipal Court, located at 25 Kirkpatrick Street in New Brunswick, NJ. Indictable offense cases are heard at the Middlesex County Superior Court, located at 56 Paterson Street in New Brunswick, NJ.
What Consequences Do I Face With My College After a Criminal Charge in New Jersey?
If you have been charged with an offense in New Jersey, you are not only facing consequences through the criminal justice system, but you are also facing potential disciplinary action with your university. At Rutgers University, the disciplinary action taken will depend on the severity of your offense and may include penalties up to expulsion from Rutgers. It is important to note that even if the criminal charges against you are dismissed, you may still be subject to disciplinary proceedings through the university for violation of the Rutgers code of conduct.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Arrest at Rutgers in New Brunswick?
If a Rutgers University student is accused of violating the Rutgers code of conduct, Rutgers gives the student the right to be represented by a lawyer in disciplinary proceedings. It is important to hire a lawyer who is experienced in handling Rutgers code of conduct violations to represent you in your disciplinary proceedings.
Criminal charges and disciplinary actions at Rutgers University and other colleges in New Jersey can have a serious impact on your education and your future opportunities. If you are a Rutgers student who has been charged with an offense in Middlesex County such as unlawful possession of a weapon, lewd or indecent behavior, drug possession, or invasion of privacy, contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at William Proetta Criminal Law today.
