Marijuana has been legalized for personal and medicinal use in many states. However, colleges can still ban the possession of this substance. Additionally, other drugs such as cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, or acid can cause a student to be suspended or expelled from school. What can a student do if they were caught with drugs? Read on for defense tips from a college student defense lawyer.
Can I have any drugs on campus or in my dorm?
Schools do not define the amount and take the position that none is allowed. A gram of marijuana or an ounce of cocaine is enough for a college to bring conduct charges against a student.
Other students take drugs on campus or have drugs in their dorms all the time. Why me?
Yes. Schools take a hard line with some students and let others go. Still, just because other students got away with it, doesn’t mean you will too. Be careful when using other students’ past behavior as an example of why you should not face punishment. If a school wants to file conduct charges, pointing fingers may just make a bad situation worse.
My College is telling me I can’t live on-campus in the dorms anymore. What can I do?
Schools can ban a student from living on campus. However, this prohibition cannot be put into place without a student having a chance at defending themselves.
My College wants to suspend or expel me. Can I fight it?
Students who are facing a suspension or expulsion from school must be given the chance to fight the charges. The suspension and expulsion procedures should be clearly outlined in the student handbook under the Student Disciplinary Procedure section.
What if the drugs were not mine and I did not bring them to school?
I have had several cases where a student’s friend brought drugs on campus. Another student was dared to take a hit or forced into hiding the drugs. Students who were dared or forced to take drugs can still face the most severe penalties, even if they were not the ones to bring the drugs on campus.
What is your advice for students facing a suspension or expulsion for drugs on campus?
Do not talk to any friends or school staff about the incident
A student may try to make excuses or even lie about a situation.
I strongly recommend to not immediately talk.
Talking to the resident assistant (RA) or campus police may make your situation worse depending on the facts. If you are a minor, you should at least request to speak to your parents before making any statements.
Hire a College Student Defense Lawyer Immediately
The faster a lawyer is involved, the better the chance of avoiding the most severe penalties like suspension or expulsion. Early involvement may even stop a dismissal from on-campus housing.
Can you help all college students that need to fight a suspension or expulsion from college?
Yes. I advise studentsall over the country facing code of conduct violations. By working together to craft the best defense possible, you will be given the greatest chance at success. Achieving positive results is my goal.
You get only one chance at success. Make it your best.
Richard Asselta is an award-winning lawyer for college students who offers student defense services to students throughout the United States. He is experienced in defending all types of student disciplinary issues including all code of conduct violations. Call The Education Lawyers today for a free consultation and protect your future. 855-338-5299Click here to read what clients are saying about Richard Asselta on AVVO, a lawyer review website.