Virginia Beach Campus Drug Offense Lawyer
Drug crimes committing on campus can lead to severe penalties and adversely impact one’s future as a student. Even an off-campus arrest can have an impact on student status and future educational opportunities. For example, if a student is arrested for an offense and the university finds out about it and finds that university interests were somehow affected, this can also affect the reputation of the university. That student can still face a misconduct hearing that could lead to reprimand, suspension, or expulsion. On top of that, on-campus arrests can also lead to disciplinary charges even if local or state police are not involved.
If you are a student and are facing drug charges, reach out to a dedicated student defense attorney. A Virginia Beach campus drug offense lawyer could advocate for you and help you understand your legal options.
Common Drugs Seen on Campus
Drug use is an issue on many college campuses. Drug-related charges can arise at on or off-campus parties or even when substances are used for studying. Some of the most common drugs seen in campus drug crimes include:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstacy
- Adderrall
- Ritalin
- OxyContin
- Vicodin
Drug charges typically arise from illegal possession, but could also include intent to distribute and distribution crimes.
Performing Enhancing Drugs
When student-athletes are bound by the NCAA rules, other intercollegiate regulations may apply. If student-athletes are prescribed substances that are banned by the NCAA, they need the appropriate documentation to prove they have a prescription.
Unlawful use and possession of such prescription stimulants is already a crime. Some universities are treating misuse of prescription stimulants as cheating and violations of the honor code. Whether this should be counted as cheating is a subject of debate. On one side it could be argued that it is different from traditional honor code violations such as plagiarism and whether the student is doing their own work. On the other hand, the student has an unfair advantage over students who do not engage in such behavior. Many universities are falling in line with the latter argument.
How Do College Charges Differ From Criminal Charges?
Just like in criminal proceedings, a student has certain rights such as notice. However, unlike criminal proceedings, a student’s constitutional rights are relaxed and the approved standard is lower. In criminal cases, the standard of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt, and in a college disciplinary setting, the standards are usually either a preponderance of the evidence or clear and convincing evidence. Therefore, it is crucial for a student facing charges to obtain an experienced campus drug offense lawyer in Virginia Beach as soon as possible.
Campus Drug Offense Consequences
A student charged with a drug crime on campus could face disciplinary proceedings as well as criminal sanctions. Possible consequences include reprimand, suspension or expulsion. For student-athletes, these could also include being forbidden from participating in sporting or team events. When a student is found responsible for a substance-related charge, that student could be required to participate in alcohol and drug counseling.
Penalties from drug charges, whether on campus or off, could include significant fines, jail time, and probation. When facing these penalties, it is imperative to reach out to a campus drug offense attorney in Virginia Beach.
How a Virginia Beach Campus Drug Offense Attorney Could Help
When a student is found responsible for a drug-related offense, a student defense attorney may walk the student through a disciplinary and criminal process to ensure that the student’s rights are honored at all stages. This includes conducting or assisting through disciplinary hearings and negotiation on behalf of the student. If you are facing charges, call a Virginia Beach campus drug offense lawyer who could fight for you and your rights.
