Can you represent me in my university disciplinary hearing?

Our firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense in municipal and superior courts. We represent students who have been arrested or charged with a crime by the police. While we do not represent students in university administrative hearings or academic disputes, the outcome of the criminal case we handle is often the most important factor in the school's decision. By successfully defending you in court, we provide the best possible foundation for you to handle the school's internal process.

If I plan to participate in a diversionary program, do I still need a lawyer?

Yes. Admission into programs like Pre-Trial Intervention or Conditional Discharge is not automatic. You need an advocate to convince the prosecutor and judge that you are a suitable candidate. Furthermore, a lawyer for college students in Hamilton, NJ, can validate that the terms of the program are reasonable and that you understand exactly what is required to successfully complete it and have the charges dismissed.

Will my parents find out if I am arrested?

If you are over 18, the police and the courts are generally not required to notify your parents. However, we strongly encourage students to be open with their families, as their support is often vital during this process. Additionally, because many students remain on their parents' insurance or require financial assistance for legal fees, parents often become involved. Our firm maintains strict attorney-client privilege with the student, but we can communicate with parents if the student grants us permission.

What happens if the police didn't read me my rights?

The failure to read Miranda rights does not automatically mean the entire case is thrown out. It generally means that any statements you made during a custodial interrogation cannot be used against you in court. A skilled New Jersey attorney for university students will review the circumstances of your arrest to determine if your rights were violated and move to suppress any evidence that was obtained illegally.

Do you handle cases for out-of-state students?

Yes. We frequently represent students who attend college in New Jersey but permanently reside in another state. In many cases, we can appear in court on your behalf so that you do not have to travel back and forth for every routine hearing. Our goal is to resolve the matter efficiently while you continue your education or return home for breaks.

New Jersey Attorney for University Students | Lawyer for College Students Hamilton NJ

Retaining a Lawyer for College Students in Hamilton, NJ, to Fight Criminal Allegations

Sending a child off to college is a proud moment for parents, representing a significant investment in their future success and independence. However, that future can be jeopardized in an instant when a student is arrested or charged with a crime. University life often comes with new freedoms and peer pressures that can lead to mistakes, but when law enforcement gets involved, the situation escalates from a learning experience to a potential legal crisis requiring the intervention of a dedicated New Jersey attorney for university students. A criminal charge is not merely a violation of school policy. It is a legal matter that takes place in a municipal or superior court and carries penalties that can follow a young person for the rest of their life.

At The Scardella Law Firm LLC, we understand the terrifying uncertainty that students and their families face when police make an arrest. We are not here to handle grade disputes or administrative grievances with the university administration. Our sole focus is defending young adults who have been accused of breaking the law. Whether the charge involves underage drinking, drug crimes, or disorderly conduct, you need a legal team that knows how to navigate the criminal justice system. We fight to keep a temporary lapse in judgment from becoming a permanent criminal record.

If you or your child has been arrested or issued a criminal summons, contact our firm today by phone or through our online contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Facing Criminal Charges? We Can Help.

When your rights, freedom, and future are at risk, you need a strong defense. Lauren Scardella fights aggressively for her clients at every stage of the legal process. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Understanding the Serious Nature of Criminal Charges for Students

Many students and parents mistakenly believe that an arrest on or near campus is a minor issue that the school will handle internally. This is a dangerous misconception. When police are involved, the case enters the criminal justice system. A student charged with a crime faces a prosecutor and a judge, not just a dean of students. While the university may have its own separate disciplinary process, the outcome of the criminal case is often the most critical factor in determining the student's long-term future. A conviction can result in jail time, steep fines, loss of driving privileges, and a permanent mark on a background check that employers and landlords will see.

Our firm focuses specifically on the criminal defense aspect of these situations. We represent students who have been accused of breaking the law and are now facing the power of the state. It is vital to distinguish between a violation of a student code of conduct and a violation of New Jersey criminal statutes. While we understand that university disciplinary hearings are stressful, our priority is the criminal court case where your liberty and legal standing are at risk. A New Jersey attorney for university students acts as a shield between the accused and the prosecution, working to ensure that one mistake does not destroy a promising career before it begins.

We often speak to families who are confused about where the school's authority ends and the law begins. If you have been handcuffed, fingerprinted, or given a summons with a court date, you are in the legal system. This requires a legal response, not an academic one. We provide the aggressive advocacy needed to challenge the evidence, question police procedure, and negotiate for outcomes that protect the student's record.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle for Students

We represent undergraduate and graduate students facing a wide range of criminal charges. Our practice is limited to matters where the student has been accused of a crime by law enforcement. We do not handle civil disputes with the university, housing issues, or academic dishonesty cases unless they overlap with criminal charges.

Underage drinking and alcohol offenses: Police frequently cite students for possessing or consuming alcohol while under the legal age of 21, often at parties, in dorms, or at local bars.
Marijuana possession, distribution charges, and other drug crimes: Charges involving marijuana, prescription pills, cocaine, or other controlled substances are common on college campuses and can lead to the loss of federal financial aid.
Driving while intoxicated (DWI/DUI): A DUI arrest is one of the most serious charges a student can face, carrying license suspensions and potential jail time.
Disorderly conduct and public nuisance: Loud parties, public urination, or arguments with campus police often result in disorderly conduct charges, which appear on background checks.
Fake ID offenses: Possessing or using a fake ID is a crime in New Jersey that involves falsifying government documents and is taken seriously by prosecutors.
Theft and shoplifting: Allegations of stealing property fall under theft statutes and result in a conviction for a crime of moral turpitude that can bar future employment.
Hazing incidents: When initiation rituals cross the line into physical abuse or dangerous behavior, police may file criminal hazing charges.
And more: For a variety of other cases, regardless of complexity or circumstance, we can provide skilled criminal defense representation.

Our New Jersey attorney for university students is prepared to handle any criminal allegation levied against a student. Regardless of the charge, our goal remains the same: to mitigate the damage and fight for a dismissal or reduction of charges to protect the student's future.

The Legal Process After a Student Arrest

Navigating the criminal justice system is overwhelming for students who have never been in trouble before. Understanding the process can reduce anxiety and help families make informed decisions. The process begins the moment law enforcement intervenes.

Arrest and processing: Police will take the student into custody or issue a summons complaint, which creates an arrest record that exists even if the charges are eventually dropped.
The initial appearance or arraignment: The student must appear in court to be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of not guilty.
Pre-trial discovery and investigation: Your lawyer for college students in Hamilton, NJ, obtains evidence like police reports and body camera footage to find errors in police procedure.
Plea negotiations and status conferences: Many cases involve negotiations between the defense attorney and the prosecutor to advocate for a dismissal or entry into a diversionary program.
Trial: If a fair resolution cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial, where the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing: If convicted, the judge determines the penalty based on mitigating factors such as the student's academic standing and lack of prior history.

We stand by our clients through every step of this intimidating process. From the first court date to the final resolution, we fight to make sure that your rights are respected and your voice is heard.

Consequences of a Criminal Conviction for Students

The stakes in a student criminal case are uniquely high. A conviction does more than just punish the student in the present. It creates a ripple effect that can dismantle years of hard work and future aspirations.

Criminal record and background checks: A conviction results in a permanent criminal record that employers and licensing boards will see on background checks.
Loss of financial aid and scholarships: Federal law dictates that students convicted of certain drug offenses may lose eligibility for federal financial aid, grants, and loans.
Incarceration and probation: Serious offenses carry the risk of jail time or probation terms that impose travel restrictions and mandatory drug testing.
Driver's license suspension: Many offenses in New Jersey, including drug possession and underage drinking, can result in a mandatory suspension of driving privileges.
Housing and campus expulsion: A criminal conviction is often used as grounds for expulsion or eviction from campus housing, disrupting the student's education.

While our firm handles the criminal court side, the result of the criminal case often dictates the university's administrative actions. By fighting the criminal charges aggressively, a New Jersey attorney for university students helps protect the student's standing at their school.

Defending Against the Charge and Protecting the Student’s Future

Building a defense for a college student requires a strategy that looks beyond the immediate court date. Our goal is to secure a result that leaves as little trace as possible on the student's record.

Challenging the legality of the stop and search: Police must have probable cause to stop a student or search their dorm room, and we file motions to suppress evidence if rights were violated.
Questioning the accuracy of testing: We analyze the calibration records of breathalyzers and the chain of custody for lab samples to find technical errors.
Utilizing diversionary programs: We aggressively pursue programs like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) and Conditional Discharge, which can result in the dismissal of charges.
Negotiating for downgraded charges: When a dismissal is not possible, we fight to have criminal charges downgraded to municipal ordinance violations that do not result in a criminal record.
Demonstrating character and potential: A lawyer for college students in Hamilton, NJ, highlights academic achievements and character references to influence the prosecutor and judge to exercise leniency.

Every case presents a unique set of facts and opportunities for defense. We meticulously examine every angle to find the best path toward a favorable resolution that safeguards the student's opportunities.

How The Scardella Law Firm LLC Can Help

We know that good people make mistakes, especially during the formative years of college. Our approach is rooted in empathy and a lack of judgment. When you contact us, you will find a team that is ready to listen to your side of the story and offer immediate reassurance. We understand that you are likely frightened and worried about how this event will affect your parents, your education, and your reputation.

We guide clients through the fear and confusion of the legal system with clear, honest communication. You will never be left in the dark about the status of your case or what to expect next. We take the burden of the legal battle off your shoulders so that you can focus on your studies and your well-being. A New Jersey attorney for university students from our firm serves as your advocate, your advisor, and your protector during one of the most difficult times in your life. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome because we believe one bad night should not define your entire future.

Why Choose Scardella Law Firm LLC

When your future is on the line, experience matters. The Scardella Law Firm LLC is led by Lauren E. Scardella, a former prosecutor who understands exactly how the state builds cases against defendants. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate prosecution strategies and dismantle them effectively. We do not dabble in other areas of law. Our practice is dedicated to criminal defense. This focus confirms that we are always up to date on the latest changes in statutes and case law that affect our clients.

Our team has deep ties to the courts in Mercer County, Burlington County, and Middlesex County. We are familiar with the judges and prosecutors, and we understand the specific procedures of the local municipal courts where many student cases are heard. Our reputation for integrity and aggressive advocacy enables us to secure favorable results that other attorneys might overlook. When you hire a New Jersey attorney from our firm to represent university students, you are hiring a partner who is personally invested in your success.

Call Us Today to Start Your Defense

Time is critical in criminal cases. Evidence can disappear, and strict deadlines apply to certain legal motions. Do not wait to see if the charges go away on their own. They will not.

Reach out through our online contact form to speak with an attorney and learn how we can help protect your rights.