Campus Crimes Attorney in Quincy, Massachusetts

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in 2016, about 28,400 criminal incidents against persons and property on campuses at postsecondary institutions in the United States were reported to police and security agencies. Campus crime allegations are serious and could cause irreparable damage to your education, reputation, liberty, and future opportunities.

If you have been accused of sexual misconduct, or you are under investigation for a campus crime, it is crucial that you retain an aggressive Massachusetts criminal defense attorney immediately. McBride Law provides experienced and outstanding legal services to students and their parents facing campus crime charges. Devin McBride will fight vigorously to protect your rights and attempt to establish your innocence.

McBride Law proudly serves clients throughout Quincy, Massachusetts, and the surrounding areas of Norwell, Hingham, Weymouth, and Boston.

Types of Campus Crimes in Massachusetts

Some of the most common examples of campus crimes in Massachusetts include:

Sexual Assault

In Massachusetts, sexual assault can be described as any crime in which the defendant subjects the victim to sexual touching that is unwanted, offensive, or without consent. The crime of sexual assault is governed by the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, section 13.

• Rape: Massachusetts laws describe rape as engaging in sexual intercourse with a person without consent by means of violence, duress, threats, fraud, or when the victim is asleep, unconscious, or unable to give consent.

• Lewd Acts: Lewd conduct involves engaging in sexual activity in a public place. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272 Section 53 prohibits lewd, wanton, and lascivious acts, and are considered a felony offense.

• Stalking: Stalking refers to a clear, repetitive pattern of intentional unwanted, harassing, or threatening behavior directed toward another person that causes fear of personal safety. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, section 43, prohibits stalking.

• Others: Other forms of sexual assault include forcible sodomy, forcible object penetration, sexual contact with minors, and coerced sexual contact.

Process (Title IX Hearing)

Universities in Massachusetts use Title IX hearings to investigate and remediate allegations of sexual misconduct, assault, or harassment. An internal panel will decide whether the accused student or staff member has disobeyed the school's code of conduct.

Penalties

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the sexual assault crime, penalties may include lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, community service, probation, counseling, and registration as a sex offender.

Violent Crimes

In Massachusetts, violent crime can be described as any criminal act that involves the use of physical force, weapons, or the verbal threat of violence. In a violent crime, the victim is threatened with violence or is otherwise harmed or injured.

Depending on the jurisdiction, violent crimes may include murder, homicide, manslaughter, assault, endangerment, extortion, rape, sexual assault, negligence, kidnapping (abduction), robbery, and harassment.

Penalties

If convicted of a violent crime in Massachusetts, you are likely to face a wide range of severe legal penalties, such as hefty fines, lengthy prison sentences, restraining orders, probation, community service, mandatory counseling, and restitution to the victim.

Robbery/Theft

Theft can be described as the action of taking someone else's property without consent, or unlawfully by means of force or threat of force. It can also be referred to as "larceny." The general crime of larceny is set out in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266 Section 30.

Penalties

The value of the stolen property determines the specific larceny crime that will be charged.

• Petty Larceny: If the value of the property is less than $250, the defendant will be facing petty larceny charges, which is a misdemeanor offense. The offense is punishable with a fine of up to $300 and 1-year imprisonment.

• Grand Larceny: If the property value exceeds $250, the defendant will be charged with grand larceny, which is a felony. The offense is punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 and up to 5 years imprisonment.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered a serious crime.

Penalties

Potential criminal penalties for DUI convictions include:

• Prison or jail time, not more than 2½ years

• Fines from $500 to $25,000, depending on your number of previous DUI offenses

• 1-year license suspension

• The driver will have to complete a substance abuse education program or treatment

• Use of ignition interlock device (IID)

• Community services

Drug Possession

Drug offenses are not treated lightly and often attract severe punishments. Possession is the most common drug offense in the state. If you have illicit drugs or controlled substances in your possession, there's a possibility of being arrested and facing criminal charges.

Penalties

The actual penalty often varies depending on factors such as the type of drug involved, your criminal record, and the amount of drugs found in your possession. Potential penalties include up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $5,000 to $50,000.

How Legal Counsel Can Help

Sexual misconduct and other campus crime allegations can permanently damage the trajectory of your future. When defending a campus crime charge, having the right legal defense strategy that fits your specific situation perfectly is crucial.

McBride Law is committed to defending students who have been wrongfully accused or are facing campus crime allegations. As a knowledgeable and experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney, Devin McBride will review every detail of your case, conduct a comprehensive investigation, and determine the best defense strategy.