College students in Pennsylvania can face serious legal trouble for their actions on or near campus. Whether it’s underage drinking and drug possession or a more serious offense like assault or sexual misconduct, a criminal charge can disrupt their education and threaten their future. Even minor charges carry consequences that often include fines, a criminal record, losing scholarships, or suspension or expulsion from school.
Campus crime cases are complex because they often involve two separate processes: a criminal investigation and a school disciplinary hearing. A student could face criminal penalties in court while also dealing with academic sanctions like suspension or expulsion. These systems follow different rules and timelines. Early legal intervention can make a significant difference.
Andrew F. Skala, Esquire, provides straightforward criminal defense for students facing criminal charges and campus discipline. With extensive trial experience and a deep understanding of both the legal system and school disciplinary procedures, our firm works to protect each client’s rights and record. If your education and freedom are on the line, call us today to learn more about your legal options.
Common Types of Campus Crimes
What happens in residence halls, at parties, in classrooms, or off-campus locations can jeopardize your future. Here are the most common types of campus crime charges against which we represent our clients:
Underage Drinking and Alcohol Offenses
Alcohol-related charges are common criminal offenses for college students. Possession or consumption of alcohol by anyone under 21 is illegal in Pennsylvania. Students caught drinking underage or carrying fake identification can face fines, license suspensions, and disciplinary action from their schools. Public drunkenness, especially when paired with disruptive behavior or accidents, may also lead to arrest and court appearances.
Drug Offenses
Possession of marijuana and other controlled substances remains a criminal offense under Pennsylvania law, even if it is common in campus culture. Students often face charges for simple possession. If the school or police find packaging materials or large quantities of drugs, they may be accused of distribution or intent to distribute. Even possession of drug paraphernalia, like pipes or rolling papers, can trigger criminal charges and school discipline.
Sexual Misconduct and Assault
Allegations of sexual assault or misconduct can result in life-changing consequences, including felony charges and mandatory registration as a sex offender. These cases are often investigated by law enforcement and by the university through Title IX proceedings. Even if no criminal charges are filed, students accused of violating school sexual misconduct policies may face suspension or expulsion. These are high-stakes cases where skilled legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Theft and Property Crimes
Campuses and student housing are often vulnerable to theft and property damage. Whether charges involve stolen personal items, damaged property, or tampering with university equipment, theft and vandalism charges lead to criminal convictions and school penalties.
Harassment and Assault
Conflicts between students—whether in person or online—can result in harassment or assault charges. Hazing, often associated with fraternity or athletic organizations, is also a criminal offense under Pennsylvania law. A conviction for any of these charges can seriously impact a student’s academic status and future professional opportunities.
Disorderly Conduct and Trespassing
Disorderly conduct is a broad charge often used when a student is accused of causing a public disturbance, using offensive language, or refusing to follow police instructions. Criminal trespass can apply when students enter restricted areas on campus or return to a location after being told not to. While these may seem like minor infractions, they can still result in criminal records and disciplinary actions.
Andrew F. Skala, Esquire, has experience in campus crime cases. Our firm can assess your situation and develop a strategy to handle both legal and school-related consequences.
Dual Track Proceedings: Criminal and School Disciplinary Action
Students accused of crimes on or near campus may face two separate but simultaneous processes: criminal prosecution and college disciplinary action. These proceedings are handled by different authorities, follow different rules, and can result in very different outcomes. More importantly, what happens in one can influence the other. However, a favorable result in one system doesn’t guarantee a positive outcome in the other.
Criminal Court
Criminal cases are handled through the Pennsylvania state or federal justice system, depending on the charges. To convict, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Criminal penalties may include:
- Jail or prison time
- Probation or parole
- Fines and court costs
- Mandatory counseling or community service
- License suspension
- A permanent criminal record
A conviction can affect your future in many ways. It may limit job prospects, graduate school admissions, and the ability to rent housing or qualify for financial aid.
School Disciplinary Hearings
Colleges and universities have their own internal processes for handling student conduct violations. These often run concurrently with criminal cases. They do not require the same high standard of proof, but strong legal representation can make a difference.
School disciplinary hearings:
- Are based on violations of the student code of conduct
- May include Title IX investigations in cases involving sexual misconduct
- Use a “preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not to have committed the violation) standard of proof
- May not have the same due process protections as in criminal court
- Are often closed, informal, and time-sensitive
Possible academic sanctions include:
- Suspension or expulsion
- Revocation of housing privileges
- Loss of scholarships or financial aid
- Permanent disciplinary records on transcripts
How a Lawyer Can Help
These proceedings carry lasting consequences. A skilled criminal defense attorney working for you can protect your rights in both arenas. Your attorney can create a tailored defense so that one process doesn’t jeopardize the outcome of the other.
An experienced campus crime defense attorney can:
- Respond quickly to school or police investigations
- Guide students through interviews, hearings, and disciplinary reviews
- Develop a unified strategy that protects both legal and academic standing
- Handle communication with school officials and law enforcement
The sooner you take action, the more options you have to minimize—or eliminate—the consequences. Andrew F. Skala, Esquire, is ready to review your case, explain your options, and create a personalized defense for each venue.
Why Choose Andrew F. Skala, Esquire, for Your Campus Crime Defense?
Andrew F. Skala, Esquire, offers experienced representation for students facing campus-related criminal charges in Westmoreland and Indiana Counties. Thanks to deep knowledge of both Pennsylvania criminal law and the realities of college disciplinary systems, our firm guides students through criminal court and school proceedings. From underage drinking and drug charges to more serious allegations like assault or sexual misconduct, Andrew F. Skala provides strategic, focused defense designed to protect a student’s record and future.
Clients receive one-on-one support throughout the entire process. Andrew F. Skala handles every case personally, from intake to resolution. When you work with us, you can expect straightforward guidance backed by years of trial and courtroom experience.
Take Control of Your Future on and Off-Campus
A campus crime charge can derail your education and future opportunities. Whether the issue involves criminal prosecution, school disciplinary action, or both, experienced legal representation protects your rights and can work to reduce long-term consequences.
Andrew F. Skala, Esquire, provides dedicated, results-oriented defense for students across Westmoreland and Indiana Counties. If you or your child is facing campus-related criminal charges, contact us today to find out how we can help.