Drug-related offenses on college campuses are serious matters that can significantly impact a student’s academic and personal future. Whether the charge involves possession, use, or distribution, understanding the complexities of these cases is crucial. At DC Student Defense, led by former federal prosecutor Attorney Shan Wu, we specialize in defending students against drug charges, ensuring your rights and future are protected.
What Constitutes a Drug Offense on Campus?
Drug charges can range from the possession of a single marijuana joint in a dorm room to the unauthorized use, possession, and distribution of controlled substances like Adderall. Larger-scale operations can lead to federal conspiracy charges involving wiretaps, subpoenaed bank records, and search warrants.
Each school or university will have different policies regarding drug use on campus, and different procedures for dealing with violations. But in every case, even the simple possession of illicit substances can result in serious academic consequences, in addition to potential criminal charges.
University Drug Policy Violations
While the consequences for drug policy violations can vary depending on the college or university, sanctions for drug violations generally can include:
- Loss of Campus Housing: Immediate eviction from dormitories.
- Probation/Suspension: Academic penalties ranging from probation to suspension or expulsion.
- Fines and Programs: Fines, mandatory drug abuse programs, and evaluations.
- Expulsion: Manufacturing or distributing drugs can result in a one-year suspension or expulsion even on the first offense.
In addition, your university administration will likely report any illegal activity to the proper authorities. The criminal penalties for drug crimes generally include the following:
- Possession: Typically considered a misdemeanor, punishable by fines and jail time of less than a year.
- Distribution: Selling or giving drugs to another person, usually charged as a felony with potential jail time of a year or more.
- Distribution across state lines: Usually charged as a federal crime, and can result in longer sentences in a federal prison.
How Drug Crimes Are Investigated
Drug crimes on campus are usually investigated by local police, or potentially federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and other law enforcement agencies.
Universities will conduct their own investigations, often in collaboration with local and federal authorities. That’s why it’s essential to have experienced legal representation, regardless of what stage in the investigation your university is in. Shan Wu and the team at DC Student Defense can help you navigate these complexities to achieve fair outcomes.
What Should You Do if Accused of a Drug Offense?
- Preserve Evidence: Keep records of all relevant information and communications that could contribute to your defense.
- Don’t Talk About Your Case: It’s important not to talk about your case to anyone other than your attorney, including your friends, roommates, professors, and especially the accuser.
- Understand Your Rights: An attorney can help you navigate the legal and disciplinary processes, ensuring minimal disruption to your education and future employment prospects.
- Seek Legal Counsel Immediately: Contact a defense attorney experienced in handling college drug charges.
Facing drug charges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. DC Student Defense offers the expertise and support you need to defend against these allegations. Contact us today to safeguard your academic and personal future.
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions constitute drug charges on campus?
Drug charges can include possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances such as marijuana, Adderall, and other drugs.
What are the consequences of drug possession or distribution?
Penalties can range from misdemeanors with fines and short jail sentences to felonies with longer incarceration periods, depending on the severity of the offense.
What should I do if I am accused of a drug offense?
Immediately contact a criminal defense attorney experienced in defending college students to ensure your rights are protected and to build a strong defense.
