When Do Nebraska College Students Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer? 2024

Although most college campuses are considered safe places to study and grow, sometimes, crimes do occur. These crimes can range from rape or assault to larceny and fraud. If you have been accused of a crime on campus, you may ask yourself, when do Nebraska college students need a criminal defense lawyer?

Sometimes, college students get in trouble with the law for minor offenses. In these cases, students may get fined for their actions but may not need a criminal defense lawyer. If the crime you are being accused of is a misdemeanor or felony, you are encouraged to hire a lawyer to avoid paying hefty fines or spending time in jail.

Common Crimes That Occur on College Campuses in Nebraska

Serious crimes that can result in an arrest on a college campus include murder, rape, weapons violations, and drug violations. Some of the most common crimes that result in arrests at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, for example, include drug law violations, alcohol law violations, rape, fondling, burglary, and dating violence.

Each of these crimes has its own penalties that can range from being ordered to pay a fine to jail time. Drug and alcohol law violations were the highest reported crimes involving arrests.

Penalties for these crimes are as follows:

• For the illegal possession of a controlled substance, a student can potentially be fined thousands of dollars and spend days in jail. The penalties for drug possession can increase with each subsequent offense and the presence of any aggravating factors, such as the involvement of minors.
• For underaged individuals found driving while intoxicated, there may be severe consequences. Depending on their blood alcohol content, they could face license revocation and a small fine or be charged with an adult DUI and face penalties similar to that of a 21-year-old.
• Individuals of legal drinking age convicted of a DUI can be fined $500 and potentially spend up to three months in jail. The fines and prison time increase with each subsequent conviction.
• If a person is found with a very high concentration of alcohol in their system and has three prior convictions, they could be charged with a Class IIA felony and face a minimum prison sentence.

Consequences of Committing a Crime on a College Campuses in Nebraska

Besides prison time and paying fines, violators of drug and alcohol laws can have their licenses revoked, weapons taken, be subject to regular breathalyzer tests, and have their property garnished if it was used to transport or harbor any illegal substances.

In addition to these penalties, college campuses also impose sanctions for these crimes. At a minimum, violators could be required to take drug and alcohol education courses. They could also be denied future registration, expelled, denied financial aid, or have their employment terminated.

Rape is also a relatively common crime on Nebraska campuses and is a felony, which can result in longer prison sentences and even heftier fines.

Other Crimes With Penalties on College Campuses

In addition to drug, alcohol, and sex-related crimes, there are other common crimes that can result in fines or jail time on college campuses. Having a fake ID, hazing, and disturbing the peace are a few examples. Sometimes, underaged individuals who want to obtain alcohol use a fake ID. For this crime, they can be fined hundreds of dollars and spend significant time in jail.

When Should I Call a Lawyer?

If you are a college student and have been accused of a crime, you may want to hire a student defense lawyer. Although some of the fines may be negligible to some people, for those who do not have the necessary funds, these fines can be difficult to pay. If you are facing jail time, you should definitely contact a lawyer. This is especially true for crimes involving sexual assault or repeated offenses for drug and alcohol-related crimes.

Nebraska College Student Defense FAQs

Q: When Would a College Student Most Likely Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: A college student would most likely need a criminal defense lawyer if they cannot pay fines, face jail time, believe they are innocent, or are at risk of being expelled. Your lawyer can inform you of your rights and ensure you have proper representation. Your lawyer can also potentially reduce your penalties if you are facing serious jail time.

Q: What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Focus On?

A: A criminal defense attorney focuses on protecting your rights and building a defense for your case in court. Even if your crime has a minimum sentence or minimum fines imposed, your attorney can potentially get penalties reduced. An experienced defense attorney can be essential to your freedom and future if you have committed a crime as a college student in Nebraska.

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Nebraska?

A: In Nebraska, the cost of a criminal defense lawyer may depend on several factors, including the lawyer’s location, their level of experience, the type and severity of the crime committed, and the complexity of the case. An effective legal defense is invaluable, especially as a college student with a bright future ahead of you. The cost of hiring a lawyer pales in comparison to the cost of being convicted of a crime as a student, whether the penalties are minor or severe.

Q: What Are Three Common Situations When a College Student Should Consider Contacting a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: There are many situations when a college student should consider contacting a lawyer, but three common situations are if they are facing jail time, are subject to paying expensive fines, or are at risk of losing an important privilege, such as their license or immigration status. If any of these apply to you, you should consider seeing a lawyer.

Contact Sopinski Law Office Today

College campuses are places where students can learn, grow, and trail a path to fulfill their dreams. Sometimes, students find themselves in precarious situations and may be charged with a crime. At the Sopinski Law Office, we can represent you and defend your case if you have been accused of a crime at college. Contact us today for a strategy session.