Students at Drexel University enjoy the privilege of being a part of a prestigious institution that has a rich history. Unfortunately, this privilege can be jeopardized if a student commits a serious crime. Not only will a student be subject to criminal penalties, but they may also damage their academic career irreparably. If you are a student at Drexel University and you were arrested for a crime, contact an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorney today.
The Law Office of Lonny Fish understands that every person is prone to mistakes and we are here to help you pursue a desirable outcome for your criminal case. Criminal defense attorney Lonny Fish possesses over a decade of legal experience, and he is prepared to handle your defense. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your case, contact the Law Office of Lonny Fish at (215) 826-3314, or contact us online.
Common College Campus Crimes We Litigate
Many students in college will use this phase of their life to experiment and take in new experiences. Unfortunately, some poor choices could result in a student being arrested for a serious crime. The following is a list of common college campus crimes that the Law Office of Lonny Fish can help you defend against, from release from a Philadelphia holding center to trial.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence (DUI) is possibly the most common crime committed by students enrolled in college. A person commits a DUI offense if they are found to be driving while impaired or if they have the ability to drive while impaired. This means if a person is sleeping in the driver side of the vehicle while intoxicated, they have the capability to wake up and drive while drunk.
The criminal penalties for a DUI offense depend on the factors of the case. For example, if a defendant is arrested with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 and that defendant has no prior DUI offenses, they will likely face up to 6 months of probation if they are convicted. These penalties will be increased for a second offense DUI PA or if they caused damage to property while driving intoxicated.
It is also important to note that driving while under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs can also result in being charged with a DUI.
Assault
Assault is when a defendant places another person in fear of being attacked, or the defendant actually inflicts harm on another person. Pennsylvania has two types of assault that a defendant could be charged with: simple assault and aggravated assault.
Simple assault typically occurs when a defendant causes a person to suffer some type of bodily injury. Aggravated assault refers to the use of a deadly weapon when attacking another or causing a person a serious bodily injury.
Simple assault is typically charged as a second degree misdemeanor. In Pennsylvania, second degree misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of two years in prison and $5,000 in criminal penalties. It is also important to note that a simple assault can be downgraded to a third degree misdemeanor if the defendant was involved in a fight by mutual consent. However, the penalties can still be severe as a person could serve up to a year in prison if convicted of a third degree misdemeanor for simple assault.
Naturally, aggravated assault carries more severe penalties than a simple assault. Aggravated assaults are normally charged as first degree felonies. If convicted of a first degree felony in Pennsylvania, a defendant can be sentenced to 20 years in prison and owe $25,000 in fines. Under certain circumstances, aggravated assault is charged as a second degree felony. However, second degree felonies also carry a stiff maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
Sexual Offenses
Sexual offenses are another form of crime that we can help you defend against. Sexual offenses can range from indecent exposure to sexual assault, and the penalties can also vary greatly. For example, if a person is convicted of indecent exposure, they may receive a summary offense, while a conviction for sexual assault could result in several years in prison.
It is also important to note that Drexel University will likely take any allegations of a student committing a sexual offense very seriously. While alcohol-related crimes are a common occurrence on a college campus, no school wants to be associated with an individual that is accused of a sexual offense. That is why it is important to seek an experienced attorney that can help you navigate your criminal case and any disciplinary proceedings instituted by Drexel University.
Work with Our Trusted Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you were arrested on criminal charges like assault, DUI, or lewdness charges as a student of Drexel University, you should contact an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer. The Law Office of Lonny Fish is dedicated to providing you with the unique legal representation you need to handle your criminal case. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact the Law Office of Lonny Fish at (215) 826-3314.