What Happens When a College Student Gets Arrested?

 Posted on July 12, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Exactly what will happen if you get arrested while enrolled in college depends on a few things. The most important factor is usually what the charges are. Colleges, including the University of Tennessee, are quite used to seeing students get arrested for minor alcohol-related offenses, like public intoxication and underage drinking. If you are arrested for a more serious crime while going to school, the situation could be quite different, especially if your crime involved a victim who is also a student at your university. College students who are arrested need a Knoxville, TN criminal defense attorney who is experienced in working with students who have a lot to lose.

Alcohol and Drug Offenses 

Crimes involving alcohol or marijuana are two of the most common reasons college students are arrested. A few alcohol and drug-related offenses college students are often charged with include:

• Underage alcohol possession or purchase - This is likely the most common charge brought against college students. 
• Marijuana possession - Having a small amount of cannabis might result in similar consequences. 
• DWI or DUI - Students under 21 years old can be charged with DWI if they have a BAC of only 0.02%. DUI is a more serious matter, as these students could spend a few days in jail. 
• Public intoxication - This charge might suggest to a college that a student’s substance use is out of control. 
• Drug possession - Possession of substances other than cannabis might be charged as a felony, which could be a serious problem for college students. 

Students facing these charges are often required to complete alcohol and drug education programs or asked to complete substance abuse treatment.

More Serious Charges Against College Students 

Students who face felony or violent crime charges risk expulsion. Even if your university does not expel you, you might find that returning to school after serving time in jail or prison is impossible. If your offense was against another student, you may immediately be barred from campus or dorms to protect the alleged victim. Some of the more serious crimes university students might be accused of include: 

• Sexual assault or rape - College campuses across the country have seen a rise in the reporting of sexual assaults and rapes. 
• Drug trafficking - If you are accused of providing drugs to other students, you might be charged with this serious felony. 
• Assault and domestic violence - These offenses can be taken very seriously. Students accused of violence against another student risk being barred from the dorms or campus as a whole, especially if a protection order is issued. 

The best way to protect yourself is to find a lawyer who can help you fight back against the charges.

Contact a Knox County, TN Criminal Defense Lawyer for College Students 

Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney is skilled in defending college students against a wide range of criminal charges. Our understanding Knoxville, TN college students’ defense attorneys will work to defend both your legal rights and your ability to finish your education. Contact us at 865-281-1000 for a free consultation.