Bethlehem, PA Lehigh University Student Criminal Defense Lawyer

Many students in college will use those years of their life to have a variety of new experiences. However, when these experiences begin to overlap with criminality, they could suffer some serious consequences. In addition to possibly being arrested, a student risks their academic career under some circumstances. If you are a student at Lehigh University and you were arrested for a crime, you should contact an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer today.

At Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, we are here to represent you if your college activities have put you in a situation where you are facing criminal charges. We recognize that anyone can make poor choices, and we are here to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your case, contact Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (215) 515-6389, or contact us online.

Common Crimes Linked to College Campuses

Our firm can help you defend against a variety of criminal offenses from assault to drug crimes. However, when looking at crimes that are often linked to college students or college campuses, many college students deal with the same offenses. The following is a list of common crimes linked to college campuses.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) is often an issue among college students. In Pennsylvania, a person is considered intoxicated enough to be charged with DUI when they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08% or higher. Law enforcement may employ the use of a breathalyzer or a field sobriety test at the site of the traffic stop or may wait to extract blood from the defendant once they are in custody.

It is important to note that if you have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or you drive on the roads of Pennsylvania, you automatically consent to sobriety testing. The reason for this is the implied consent law that assumes that all motorists in Pennsylvania have consented to a sobriety test during or after a traffic stop. Refusing the sobriety test can result in the suspension of your license, and it may be used against you in court.

The penalties for this crime depend on your previous criminal history and your level of intoxication. For example, if you have multiple DUIs and you are arrested with a BAC level of .16%, this could lead to multiple years in prison if you are convicted. Contact a Lehigh University DUI defense lawyer to learn more.

Underage Drinking

Underage drinking is another activity that often takes place on college campuses. A person can be arrested for underage drinking if they purchase or consume alcohol while under the age of 21. Additionally, the transportation of alcohol by a minor can also result in an arrest for underage drinking.

It is important to note that it does not matter where the alcohol was purchased or consumed. A defendant cannot dispute a citation for underage drinking because it occurred outside of the jurisdiction where they consumed or purchased the alcohol.

Assault

There are varying levels of assault offenses that a defendant can be charged with. One type of assault offense is simple assault. Simple assault is when a defendant attempts to cause another person bodily injury. A conviction for a simple assault can result in a maximum sentence of up to one year in prison and a $2,500 criminal fine.

Another possibility is that a defendant is charged with an aggravated assault. Aggravated assault is when a person attempts to cause another person a serious injury or if the defendant is indifferent to whether they cause another serious injury. If a defendant is convicted of committing aggravated assault, they can face several years in prison.

It is important to note that the criminal penalties for this offense can be increased depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, if the defendant employed the use of a bat to strike another person, they could face additional penalties at sentencing.

Whether you committed one of the offenses named above or another type of crime, our firm is prepared to help you deal with the criminal and academic consequences of your action. We will help you pursue a desirable outcome to your criminal case and assist with any disciplinary proceedings instituted by your school.

Contact Our Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorneys to Handle Your Case

If you are a college student and you were arrested for a crime, contact an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorney immediately. The criminal defense attorneys at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates possess over 30 years of combined legal experience, and we can help you pursue a desirable outcome to your criminal case and disciplinary proceeding. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your options, contact Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (215) 515-6389.