For parents and students across the nation, college and high school campus crimes have become a growing concern. In Central Texas, combating campus crime is especially pertinent, with numerous colleges and universities located in the area. Familiarizing yourself with campus crime data as well as available legal help can minimize the effect of campus crimes. By understanding what is campus crime, parents and students can make better decisions to protect themselves and their loved ones from such potential threats. Additionally, having knowledge about campus crime laws and regulations will help ensure campus safety for everyone in Central Texas.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about crime on college campuses in Central Texas, from what is campus crime to campus crime data and legal help for students. We’ll also give advice on how parents can give their children campus crime prevention tips and information about the campus crime reporting act.
Campus crime is any criminal activity that happens on campus or on another property owned by the university or college. This includes crimes such as theft, assault, or vandalism. Under campus crime laws, college campuses must provide a safe environment for their students and campus staff. Common crimes on campus include sexual assault, stalking, drug possession or distribution, and alcohol-related offenses.
Consequences of Campus Crime
Now that you know what is campus crime, the next step is understanding its consequences. Committing a crime on college campuses or while attending school can significantly impact students. Such consequences may include:
● Penalties and fines: Although minors and students may face less severe campus crime punishments than adults, penalties such as fines, community service, and probation are still possible. It is important to know that, in Texas, if you are 17 years old or older you could be sent to the adult court system.
● Extra disciplinary action for crimes on campus: If a campus crime is committed, students may be subject to additional disciplinary measures including suspension or expulsion.
● Impact on federal student loans, grants, and degree programs: Criminal convictions can have an adverse effect on a student’s eligibility for federal financial aid and degree programs. Certain offenses – such as drug convictions – may even lead to automatic disqualification.
● Effect on Scholarships: Depending on the scholarship program and its qualifications, you may lose some if not all of your college scholarships.
It is important to go through the campus crime reporting act to help with combating campus crime at your college. You can also talk to an attorney for criminal defense if you have been charged with a crime.
Legal Help for Students
Being charged with a crime can turn your life upside down. If you are looking to get your life back, we can help. As a criminal defense attorney, former Assistant United States Attorney, former Assistant District Attorney, and U.S. Army Judge Advocate, I have the experience to provide the legal help you’re looking for. My team and I offer assistance and legal help for students facing campus crimes in Central Texas. We will provide guidance and representation for a range of offenses, including drug possession, DUI/DWI, and assault.
Our services and legal help for students in Texas include:
● Consultation and guidance on the legal process and potential consequences
● Representation in criminal court and administrative proceedings
● Assistance with expungement and record sealing
● Advocacy for student rights and fairness in disciplinary hearings
We understand how difficult it can be to face criminal charges as a student. That’s why we are committed to providing professional and compassionate legal help for students in Central Texas. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you if you have been charged with a crime on or near campus.
What Happens to Scholarships When You Have a Criminal Conviction?
Depending on the scholarship program and its qualifications, a criminal conviction can lead to disqualification or loss of some or all scholarships. Students should check with their college or university to determine if their criminal conviction will affect their eligibility for scholarships. In addition, many scholarship programs have specific requirements regarding acceptable behavior and criminal convictions may disqualify applicants from being eligible for the award. For example, some scholarship programs may require that students maintain a certain grade point average or be free from criminal convictions.
It is important to remember that each scholarship program has its own requirements and it is best to check with the school or organization offering the scholarship to determine if a criminal conviction will affect eligibility. Additionally, some universities offer programs and resources for students who have been affected by a criminal conviction.
Students convicted of a crime on or near college campuses could face other serious educational consequences such as:
● Denial of federal student aid and Pell Grants: Certain criminal convictions can result in the denial of federal student aid and Pell Grants, making it difficult for students to finance their education.
● Ineligibility for certain degree programs: Criminal convictions may disqualify students from enrolling in certain degree programs, so it is important to be aware of any restrictions that apply.
Understanding the potential consequences of crime on or near college campuses in Central Texas is essential to protect future financial aid opportunities. Make sure you and your child are aware of campus crime data and campus crime prevention tips to protect their college scholarships.
Also, students should always consult with an attorney for legal advice and help if they face criminal charges. An experienced attorney can provide valuable guidance throughout the legal process, as well as advocacy for students facing administrative hearings or disciplinary action from their college.
Can You Get a DUI/DWI on Campus in Central Texas?
In addition to knowing crime on campus statistics, it is also important to understand DUI/DWI rules on campus. You can get a DWI/DUI on your college campus, as it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher in Texas. However, there are additional considerations for individuals under 21 years old who are not legally allowed to consume alcohol. As a New Braunfels DWI attorney, some key points that are good to understand include:
● Minimum legal drinking age in Texas: In Texas, the legal drinking age is 21 years old.
● DWI charges and BAC limits: While the minimum legal drinking age in Texas is 21 years old, any individuals over this age who operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above 0.08% can be charged with a DWI. However, drivers can also face DWI charges with a lower BAC if they show signs of impairment.
● DUI charges for individuals under 21 years old: For individuals under 21 years old, the legal BAC limit is 0.02%. This means any individual in this age group operating a motor vehicle with any amount of alcohol in their system can be charged with a DUI.
In the state of Central Texas, driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) can have serious implications for college students. If you are under 21 years old and considering operating a motor vehicle with any amount of alcohol in your system, it’s essential to understand the legal ramifications. The consequences for driving under the influence or while intoxicated are severe and could include:
● Significant fines or jail time depending upon the severity of the crime and the number of charges
● Possible loss or revocation of scholarships
● Denial of federal student aid and Pell Grants
● Ineligibility for certain degree programs
Protect Your Future with the Right Legal Assistance
While understanding crime on campus statistics and rules may help, dealing with campus crimes in Central Texas can have devastating consequences for students and their families. Criminal convictions may result in fines, community service, probation, suspension, or expulsion from school – not to mention the possible disqualification from federal student loans, grants, and degree programs.
For many students facing campus crime charges, enlisting the help of an experienced defense attorney can make all the difference. Lance Kennedy is a former federal and Texas prosecutor who offers legal guidance and representation for campus crime offenders in Central Texas. Whether you are dealing with a criminal conviction or scholarship revocation due to campus crimes, it’s important that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible to protect your future.
Lance Kennedy’s campus crime legal services include:
● Consultation and guidance on the legal process and potential consequences
● A free case review for every client
● Legal assistance in charges such as DWI, theft, assault, and cybercrime
It is important for college students to stay informed about their rights when it comes to campus crime. It is also essential for them to be aware of the resources available that can help protect them from potential legal repercussions. With the right legal representation, you can protect your future and secure your college scholarship or loan. Contact Lance Kennedy today to get started.