Facing criminal charges can be frightening and overwhelming, especially for a Maryland college student with his or her whole life ahead. Drug charges on college campuses are serious, and they jeopardize your education and future opportunities. If you are facing legal complications as a result of drug possession or other drug-related offenses, you will want to know what to do next.
Whether it is your first offense or you have a criminal record already, your future is worth protecting. Even a seemingly minor offense can have devastating consequences on your long-term interests, and it’s prudent to work diligently to avoid a conviction and keep your record clear. With the right help, you can fight these charges and preserve your future.
College cops and the public police
One of the most important aspects of your defense will be to carefully evaluate the circumstances of your arrest and the investigation into your activities. College cops are essentially there to enforce state laws and monitor activities on campus. While they are in positions of authority, there are limits to what they can do and how they can interact with offending or suspected college students.
In most cases, colleges and universities partner with local law enforcement for situations that involve criminal activity. For example, campus police may report suspicious activity to the local police or turn over the results of any questioning they did. To determine an appropriate direction for your defense, the following questions may be helpful:
- Did campus police come into your dorm room? If so, did they have valid grounds to search your property?
- Where were the drugs found that led to your arrest and to whom did they belong?
- Did campus police question you or detain you, or did they call local police to come onto campus?
- Where did the alleged drug-related criminal activity take place?
These questions can help you understand whether you experienced a violation of your personal rights and how you can build a defense strategy that will be both beneficial and effective.
If you are unsure of where to start, you may want to first seek a complete assessment of your case and explanation of your defense options. Your college career and future job opportunities, as well as your personal reputation and even your scholarships, are on the line, and you do not have to fight back on your own.