DC Student Violent Offenses Lawyer

The term violent offense encompasses a broad variety of offenses both on and off a college campus. Regardless of the specific behavior at issue, a violent offense may cause students to face countless legal and academic ramifications. Individuals facing such allegations may require the assistance of a DC student violent offenses lawyer. A hard-working attorney could explain how you were charged with this offense and could help you build a strong defense case.

Defining Violent Offense by D.C. Law and Campus Codes

Violent offense is not a legal term, but it is often used to refer to various types of assault. An assault is defined as physical contact without consent. This could include a large variety of behaviors. Since a violent assault is considered something more than a simple touch, it involves an elevated level of force.

In D.C., violent offenses may include:

• Assault in the first degree
• Aggravated assault
• Assault with a dangerous weapon
• Serious injury with a dangerous weapon
• Intent to commit serious injury
• Assault with intent to kill

Each campus has a Code of Conduct, in which the school outlines its own standards of behavior. Every campus also has a prohibition on violent offenses and the specifics of how such offenses are defined. While these definitions may not directly align with the different categories in the D.C. Code, they could address the same behaviors. No matter what type of violent offense a DC student was charged with, a skilled defense attorney could review their case and provide legal support.

Factors Contributing to Violent Offenses on Campus

Violent offenses on college campuses are unfortunately common due to a variety of factors.

Alcohol and Drugs

One of the biggest factors contributing to violent offenses includes excessive alcohol and drug use. There is no denying that alcohol use is a common feature of campus life. When students engage in excessive drinking, it may contribute to violent confrontations and other behaviors that they would not otherwise commit.

Students live in a very close environment where they are in constant contact with each other in confined areas. This can lead to personality clashes and other conflicts. When drugs and alcohol are involved, these situations can turn violent.

Stress and Anxiety

Many students feel a great deal of stress and anxiety because of the pressures that arise from college life. While many students work very hard to achieve academic and extracurricular success, this heightened emotional state can also contribute to violent acts and violent conduct.

Common Violent Crimes on Campus

Assault

The most common violent crime on campus is assault. This is the most straightforward and most broad type of violent crime that involves unwanted physical conduct. It is considered a violent crime if there is some elevated amount of force used or injury involved.

Hazing

Hazing is more specific than assault. While it is usually part of an initiation into a fraternity or sorority, it could also arise with athletic teams or clubs. There have been some prominent cases from schools outside of D.C. that have aggressive hazing policies. Still, some members of the Greek system view hazing as a traditional initiation right. While the process is designed to form bonds between the students entering the organization, some are violent crimes which may be assaultive or threatening.

Not all hazing is against the law, but certain initiation rites can escalate into criminal conduct. This is true especially when there is alcohol involved. The group mentality in such situations may often encourage individuals to behave in ways that they otherwise would not.

The Presence of Weapons

Weapons-related offenses are a little less common but are still seen on campus. There are bans in both campus codes and D.C. law that severely restrict the presence of weapons. For a variety of reasons, some students still may possess knives, tasers, or pepper spray on campus and in dorms.

While some campuses have policies that ban otherwise lawful items from dormitories, they may be allowed in other parts of campus. It is not uncommon to see students caught with unregistered firearms and other weapons.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a violent crime that is specific to a certain type of relationship between two individuals. This may include individuals in a romantic relationship with each other. Violence between roommates, housemates, flatmates, and other people who live together may also fall under the category of domestic violence. A violent crime, assault, or threat that occurs between parties that have a domestic relationship can occur both on and off a school’s campus.

An experienced student defense attorney could investigate a person’s violent offense case to determine what may have caused the incident. With this information, a dedicated lawyer could prepare students for any college hearings.

DC Student Violent Offenses lawyer

When facing college hearings of criminal cases for violent offenses in DC, accused individuals should reach out to a seasoned attorney immediately. Getting in touch with a DC student violent offenses lawyer could help you investigate your allegations and prepare for any academic or legal sanctions you may face. Contact an adept lawyer today for answers regarding your case.