College Student Defense Lawyer

Are You a Local College Student Facing Legal Trouble? We’re Here to Help!

At the Matassini Law Firm, we understand that college is a time for learning, growth, and new experiences. Unfortunately, sometimes mistakes happen, and students find themselves facing legal issues that can jeopardize their future. If you or someone you know is a college student accused of a crime on campus, our experienced college student defense lawyers are here to defend your rights and secure your future. Trust the firm with a proven reputation in the Tampa Bay area since 1976.

Why Choose Matassini Law?

• Board-Certified Criminal Defense: Nicholas G. Matassini, a former local prosecutor, has been Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law since 2012 and has over 20 years’ experience.
• Expertise in Student Defense: Close to the University of Tampa and University of South Florida, since 1976 our attorneys have specialized in defending college students against a wide range of criminal charges, including drug offenses, theft, assault, and more.
• Personalized Legal Strategies: We recognize that every case is unique. Some students just make an honest mistake or lapse in judgement. Our team will work closely with you to develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
• Google Reviews: Our clients love us because we are committed to delivering the best legal services in every case no matter how big or small.

Common Campus Crimes We Defend Against

• Drug and Alcohol Offenses: Including possession, distribution, DUI, and underage drinking.
• Assault and Battery: Physical altercations, fights, and other violent incidents.
• Theft and Vandalism: Shoplifting, burglary, property damage, and more.
• Sexual Misconduct: Including accusations of sexual assault and harassment.
• Academic Misconduct: Such as cheating, plagiarism, and other academic violations that can have legal consequences.

Our Commitment to You

• Free Initial Consultation: We offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
• Affordable Rates: We understand the financial challenges students face and offer competitive rates and flexible payment plans.
• 24/7 Availability: Legal issues don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. Our team is available around the clock to assist you.

What is the Impact of a Criminal Conviction?

• If the student is over 18, they will be charged as an adult, which could bring harsh and permanent consequences in the form of a criminal record. That criminal record could continue to affect them for many years to come. It could lead to their suspension or expulsion from their high school or college and impact their ability to gain admission to college, or to obtain the loans necessary to pay for college. Even as the student ages, a criminal record could continue to hurt them because they would have to disclose the conviction on any future employment applications. Our firm can work with a student facing criminal consequences to try to dismiss or reduce the charges and minimize the potential negative impacts on their future.

School Disciplinary Actions

• High school and college students sometimes face disciplinary proceedings at their school, either simultaneously with or instead of criminal prosecutions. Even though the disciplinary proceedings and criminal prosecutions may both stem from the same alleged offense, the procedures and the consequences can be quite different.

Procedures

• School disciplinary actions usually take place without as many protections and rights for the accused. There are no strict rules regarding procedure or evidence, there is no presumption of innocence, and the school does not need to prove that the student committed the alleged crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
• A college may have a judiciary board that is responsible for upholding the school’s integrity. The board may be comprised of students and a dean, all of whom may have no formal legal training. The main concern of the board is often to protect the school, its reputation, and the wellbeing of other students’ faculty and staff, not necessarily the accused student.

Outcomes

• One type of offense that students may face at a school disciplinary hearing, and not in a criminal prosecution, is for cheating or plagiarism. Although cheating is not necessarily a crime, students could still face steep administrative punishments that could involve suspension or expulsion from their school.
• Most common are issues related to stalking and harassment via social media platforms such as Instagram, Snap Chat, Facebook and most recently, Tic-Tok videos.
• Our college student defense lawyers have experience with student conduct cases and would help the student present their side of the story in a manner that could help eliminate or at least reduce the chances of administrative punishments jeopardizing their future dreams and potentials.

Don’t let a legal mistake derail your future. Trust an Expert.

Contact the college student defense lawyers at Matassini Law today to schedule your free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and your future. A delay could jeopardize your defense.

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