Common Campus Crimes

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College campuses are known to be rowdy places with lots and lots of mischief going on, but when all that action morphs into criminal misconduct, it is an entirely different matter that the law takes exceptionally seriously. And this is never more true than when sexual misconduct is involved. Let’s take a closer look.

Hazing

College groups, such as sororities, fraternities, clubs, and many other organizations engage in initiations that sometimes cross the line between acceptable and what is considered hazing. Hazing refers to intentional, knowing, or reckless acts that can occur on or off campus but that are directed against another student (or other students) during any process associated with initiation into the group. Examples include:

  • Physical brutality

  • Acts that threaten permanent bodily damage, including sleep deprivation, confinement to a small space, and exposure to extreme elements

  • The forced consumption of anything that can result in unreasonable harm, such as alcohol, drugs, or food

  • An act that results in unreasonable mental or emotional distress

Crimes Involving Drugs and Alcohol

Young adults on campus often experiment with drugs and alcohol, and these actions can spell serious legal problems. Further, drugs and alcohol can blur the line between consensual sex and sexual misconduct, making the stakes even higher.

Dating Violence and Sexual Assault

College campuses are hotbeds for charges and allegations of dating violence and sexual assault, and while such charges are often legitimate, they are sometimes overblown. Some of these false charges are based on confusion, misunderstanding, or memory loss, but other such charges are more villainous.

For example, someone who feels slighted or who believes he or she has been cheated on may make allegations related to dating violence or sexual assault as a means of retaliating against or getting even with the cheater. Someone who has anger for other reasons – real or imagined - may turn to sexually related allegations as a smear campaign against the individual, often an ex.

Even facing a sex-related charge without a conviction can have dire social ramifications and should always be taken extremely seriously. It is important to note that a conviction can be life-altering and can include all the following consequences:

  • Serious jail time and significant fines

  • An end to your education

  • The inability to rent a home

  • The inability to obtain a home loan

  • Decreased employment opportunities

  • A loss in social standing

  • Placement on the sex offender registry

Bringing your own (or your child’s) strongest defense is always well-advised.

Discuss Your Criminal Charge with an Experienced Killeen Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you or your child is facing a charge related to a campus crime, addressing the matter seriously from the outset is paramount. Brett Pritchard at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is a compassionate criminal defense attorney who understands the gravity of your situation and is on your side every step of the way. For more information about what we can do to help you, please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at (254) 781-4222 today.
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