College Students Charged with Crimes

College Student Defense / Protect Your Future

Contact Boston Criminal Defense Attorney Steven J. Topazio

Don’t let a mistake ruin your life. If you are a student attending a College or University in Massachusetts and charged with a crime, before saying anything to campus police or a prosecutor, contact Boston Criminal Defense Attorney Steven J. Topazio. Attorney Topazio can help you through this experience and will protect your rights, making sure you don't make incriminating statements the police may use against you later to connect you to other crimes. Contact us online.

Protecting Your Child's Future at a Critical Time

Being charged with a crime while at school can be devastating.

You must deal with the consequences of:

·The criminal charge

·Possible college disciplinary action, which could result in your expulsion from campus housing or your college

·A possible criminal record that can harm your career prospects and employability

An experienced Criminal Defense Attorney can help you navigate through the criminal justice system. If this is your first time you have been in trouble, some criminal charges can be resolved without a conviction. If you have been arrested and facing criminal charges, contact Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Steven J. Topazio to schedule a free consultation.

Experience that Makes a Difference

Attorney Topazio has practiced criminal law in Massachusetts for nearly 25 years and has dealt with all types of cases involving college and university students. I can help you understand the criminal process, defend you against the charges and explain the alternatives that may be available. I know that a College or University student convicted of a crime not only must complete the criminal sentence, but might also be expelled from school and lose financial aid and any government grants or scholarships.

At the time of your arrest, police and prosecutors may make all kinds of claims regarding what they know. During the initial stages of an investigation, it isn't always easy to tell how much information and evidence investigators actually have. That's why it is essential to hire a lawyer who can advise you regarding what to say and what not to say. In many cases, police not only want a confession they also want to connect you to other crimes -- crimes you may know nothing of or have anything to do with. Making admissions won't result in the charges against you being dropped -- they will only complicate things for you later.

Contact Boston Criminal Defense Attorney Steven J. Topazio

A felony or misdemeanor conviction means a criminal record that can affect employment, college entrance, student loans, and other aspects of your life. More serious offenses may carry mandatory jail or prison sentences, plus major fines and restitution. There is no such thing as a minor charge. Any criminal charge needs the advice and counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact Attorney Steven J. Topazio for a free consultation.

RECENT CASE DECISIONS

November 02, 2011
Framingham Juvenile Court
Docket Intentionally Omitted

Operating to Endanger M.G.L. c. 90 § 24(2)(a)
Marked lane violation

The client, a 16 year old High School Student, received a criminal citation for operating to endanger after he crashed his motor vehicle into a tree after knocking over a mailbox and causing property damage. Attorney Topazio instructed his client to sign the back of the citation and to file it with the court within four days so as to preserve his client’s right to a magistrate’s hearing. Requesting a clerk’s hearing prevents the immediate issuance of a criminal complaint which in turn would also result in his client getting a criminal record. Attorney Topazio had his client obtain a copy of his school grades and documentation of school accomplishments; such as his client’s acceptance into the National Honor Society and Peer Ministry, among other things, in order to establish his client’s good character for the clerk at the upcoming hearing. Attorney Topazio met with the investigating officer in an attempt to negotiate a resolution of the matter and further to resolve any restitution matters. Today at the hearing on the application for issuance of criminal complaint, Attorney Topazio established through his client’s medical records that he was not drinking or consuming illegal drugs prior to the accident. Attorney Topazio also established that his client was not speeding or racing when the accident occurred, but rather established that the accident occurred as the result of his client falling asleep at the wheel. Attorney Topazio was successful in convincing the Magistrate not to issue the criminal complaint, despite the Magistrate’s finding probable cause to believe that a crime had been committed, but rather to hold the complaint open for four months on the condition that his client stay out of trouble and complete a community service project through his peer ministry group at school by writing an article about the dangers and hazards of driving and then presenting it in school.

Result: Formal complaint does not issue and case to be dismissed following completion of community service project.

June 06, 2009
Wrentham District Court
0857 CR 3312

Threat to Commit Crime M.G.L. c. 275 § 2
Criminal Harassment M.G.L. c. 265 § 43A(a)

The defendant, a High School Senior, was suspended for fighting with a fellow classmate, then criminally charged for allegedly harassing and threatening that classmate and another while at a school sponsored sporting event. As a condition of release, the client was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victims, a difficult task since all parties attended the same High School. The defendant hired Attorney Topazio. Attorney Topazio met with his client and contacted school officials to see if they would be willing to mediate the situation if the parties consented. After speaking with Director of Student Affairs and then meeting with the Principal of the High School, Attorney Topazio filed a motion with the court amending his client’s conditions of release to allow supervised contact with the complainants only in a structured setting of the High School and in the presence of each party’s parents and High School Officials. Attorney Topazio arranged for his client and his client’s parents along with the complainants and their parents to engage in a voluntary mediation with the Principal and Director of Student Affairs from the High School. Mediation was a success as all parties were in agreement in resolving the situation. Today, Attorney Topazio with the consent of the District Attorney caused his client’s case to be dismissed.

Result: Mediation a success and all charges dismissed.

March 04, 2009
Wrentham District Court
0857 CR 3312

Threat to Commit Crime M.G.L. c. 275 § 2
Criminal Harassment M.G.L. c. 265 § 43A(a)

Result: Mediation a success and all charges to be dismissed after client graduates High School this year.

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Steven J. Topazio - Attorney At Law

Tough, Aggressive, and Experience

Criminal Defense

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College Students Charged with Crimes