Message to Students
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer for Penn State Students
As a proud Penn State alum (2000), I remember my undergraduate days fondly, at least most of them. Like many students, not every decision I made was wise—or entirely legal. Fortunately, I was never caught. If you’re reading this, you probably have not have been so lucky.
Today, the legal landscape in State College and at Penn State is far less forgiving. Law enforcement is increasingly inclined to issue citations and pursue criminal charges, even for relatively minor infractions like Underage Drinking and Fake ID. Many students are surprised to find that the police not only file charges but also follow through with prosecution and court appearances.
Arrested or Charged as a Penn State Student? Get a Free Legal Consultation
If you’re facing criminal charges as a student at Penn State, it’s critical to speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney right away. I have been a criminal defense attorney in State College since 2004, so I have represented thousands of students that have faced both criminal charges in the judicial process and violations through Penn State’s disciplinary process.
Two Systems, Two Sets of Penalties
What many students don’t realize is that getting into legal trouble often means two separate proceedings:
Criminal charges handled in court
Disciplinary actions from the university
Even if the incident involved only one mistake, you could be punished twice—by the court system and by your school. Each system operates under different rules, procedures, and consequences. A defense strategy that works in court might not be effective—or might even backfire—during a university disciplinary hearing.
That’s why it’s so important to have an attorney who understands both the criminal and academic systems. I’ve successfully guided students through both processes and know how to build a defense strategy that minimizes consequences across the board.
Seemingly Minor Charges Can Have Major Long-Term Effects
Many students (or their parents) contact me after they’ve taken bad legal advice—from a police officer, court staff, or an inexperienced attorney. Unfortunately, by that point, it may be too late to undo the damage.
Here are some real examples from past clients:
A Penn State student pleaded guilty to public drunkenness, thinking it was just a minor summary offense, and the officer incorrectly told him that the charge would not appear on background searches. The charge DID appear on a background search, and the young man was later denied admission to a competitive nursing program.
Another student was charged with Possession of a Fake ID, a summary offense. Had he pleaded guilty, he would have been barred from working on the stock exchange floor in New York.
Fake ID charges in Pennsylvania are considered crimen falsi offenses—crimes involving dishonesty. These are grouped with theft, perjury, and forgery, making them extremely damaging to future careers in law, finance, accounting, and more.
Many students and their parents also take legal advice from the wrong sources, meaning they call the cop or the secretarial staff at the court. Those people may be familiar with some procedural things, they often are not involved in processes like expungements, the impact of convictions on professional licensing, how the university process works, or whether charges impact job searches. That is not part of their job, so those people don’t have the specialized knowledge. By analogy, when you need your fixed, do you talk to a salesperson at the dealership or do you talk to the service department?
Even less serious charges like underage drinking or disorderly conduct can leave lasting marks on your record. On the other hand, felony charges like drug possession with intent to deliver carry life-altering consequences, including jail time, loss of financial aid, and expulsion from school.
Don’t Risk Your Future — Get a Professional Case Review
Before you plead guilty or take legal advice from someone without deep experience in criminal defense law, speak to a professional. Every case should be evaluated for possible dismissal or reduction of charges to protect your future.
Many criminal defense attorneys in State College offer free consultations—including me. Don’t make a decision that could jeopardize your job prospects, grad school applications, or professional licenses.
Contact JD Law Today
As a criminal defense lawyer who is also a Penn State graduate, I understand the pressures students face and the serious consequences even a minor charge can bring. Let’s talk about your options before it’s too late.
For a free case review, contact JD Law by email or leave a message at (814) 689-9139. Email is the preferred method of communication, as phone calls are directed to voicemail due to the high volume of spam and unsolicited calls.