Student Crimes

With thirty-six colleges and universities in the city and surrounding areas, it is a well-known fact that Boston, Massachusetts has a voluminous and consistently growing population of student residents. In fact, a study conducted in 2000 estimates that there are 135,125 students living in the city of Boston, and it is reasonable to predict that number has only increased since then. The large presence of student age individuals living in the Boston area has led to the evolving and expanding diversity and culture of the historic city. Boston area colleges and universities attract people from all walks of life to visit the city, attend the schools, and become active members in the community. While directly influencing the race, age, and national origin demographics, the student population of Boston has also helped to expand the availability of restaurants, shopping, nightlife, music scene, art and theater attractions, collegiate sporting events, etc., and has encouraged the development of Boston into a thriving metropolis. While the tendencies of student age individuals greatly enhance the nightlife and dynamics of the city, these tendencies have also contributed to the crime rate, as students face charges for disturbing the peace, drinking, underage drinking, drug-use, assault, and an array of motor vehicle offenses. The Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy dedicates a substantial amount of energy to defending the rights of the Massachusetts’ student population to ensure that their futures remain bright, and their issues are resolved successfully and in a timely fashion.

How Will A Criminal Charge Affect Your Future?

Facing any kind of accusations in devastating, but if you are college student, it may come with even more anxiety. Aside from the potential sentencing from the judicial system, aspects of your college career and future prospects could be at risk. A criminal record in the state of Massachusetts could hinder your career prospects, enrollment to graduate and professional school, and your eligibility for campus housing, financial aid, and even academic enrollment, especially in cases involving F-1 student visas and foreign exchange students. Defending college students facing criminal charges is complex task, as the penalties involve factors outside of regular laws; apart from being responsible for Massachusetts General Laws and the penalties attached, you may also be held accountable by your college or university and be subject to disciplinary action.

Employment/Enrollment Concerns

Having a criminal record can have many adverse effects on your ability to gain employment or admission to graduate school in the future. Employers seek to hire the most qualified and reliable applicant available, thus, they have become increasingly concerned with an applicant history, and specifically their criminal record. More recently, there has been a trend in the number of employers who conduct pre-employment background checks for criminal records. The concern from the employer’s point of view is that a person with a criminal past may have a propensity to re-offend in the future or may be a problem or risk in the workplace. Therefore, it is extremely important that you appreciate the charges you are facing, and consult a Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer with the skills and experience necessary to defend your case, to ensure that mistakes in judgment do not have a detrimental impact on your future.

Eligibility For Financial Aid

20 USC § 1091 came into effect on July 1, 2000, and governs the eligibility criteria for those applying for federally subsidized loans. Section (r)(1) provides that any student convicted of an offense involving possession or sale of a controlled substance will not be eligible to receive any grant, loan or work assistance. The law also provides that those already receiving grant, loan or work assistance money could experience a delay as to the release of their funds, or discontinuation altogether.

The ineligibility period is for an offense involving the possession of an illegal substance:

• First Offense = 1 year
• Second Offense = 2 years
• Third Offense = Indefinite

For convictions involving sale of an illegal substance, the ineligibility period is:

• First Offense = 2 years
• Second Offense = Indefinite

Information Regarding Student Visas & Foreign Exchange Students

The purpose of Foreign Exchange Programs is to provide educational enrichment which will promote a better understanding between American students and students of other countries. Programs such as these allow students from other countries to experience American life, while gaining a better understanding of international laws, customs, and culture. Acceptance to a foreign exchange program is a privilege, expects students to conduct themselves in a professional and dignified manner. Most countries require a foreign exchange student to obtain an F-1 visa, the granting of which is subject to any crimes previously committed and those committed whilst in the United States. The consequences of criminal activity can lead to delays in obtaining a visa, denial of visa or entry in the United States, and denial of immigration benefits. Furthermore, pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(B) any alien convicted of an offense relating to a controlled substance is subject to removal or deportation from the US.

Local Colleges We Are Available To Service

• Boston University
• Boston College
• Northeastern University
• Harvard University
• Suffolk University
• University of Massachusetts – Boston and Lowell Campuses
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Tufts University

Please call regarding your specific college, school or university if it is absent from this list.

Boston, Massachusetts College/University Criminal Defense Attorney

The Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy is an aggressive and skilled Massachusetts criminal defense trial attorney who has 18 years of successful experience defending clients. Apart from his legal background, Attorney Murphy is a devoted father who understands the implications involved for young adults and students facing criminal charges. Let Attorney Murphy help you avoid the detrimental repercussions a criminal offense could have on your future. Contact Attorney Murphy by calling (617) 367-0450 or completing the contacts tab on our website. As a dedicated legal advocate, Attorney Murphy is available 24/7 for a free and confidential assessment of your case.

• Motor Vehicle Offenses
• Alcohol Related Offenses: Possession of alcohol, underage drinking, using false identification to obtain alcohol
• Drug Crimes: Possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia
• OUI/DUI/DWI
• Violent Crimes: Assault, battery, disorderly conduct
• Sex Crimes: Rape, indecent liberties with a child, indecent exposure
• Theft Crimes
• Property Crimes