What Are the Most Common Crimes Committed on College Campuses?

 Posted on January 14, 2020 in Juvenile Law

College is an exciting and new time for young adults who are just getting started with their higher education. Since many students attend college right after they graduate high school, some students are still minors. For many, this is the first time that they have lived without a parent, making it easy for them to get into trouble with their newfound freedom. Whether a minor or not, making a legal mistake in college can affect a person's future at the school itself as well as the professional opportunities available to them in the future. Many students do not recognize the severity of their actions until after they have been caught, making an experienced criminal defense attorney crucial for avoiding a conviction and allowing them to continue on with their academic career.

Types of Offenses That Occur on Campuses

In 2017, The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) released a report that highlights the crimes occurring on American college campuses. On a positive note, violent victimization on school grounds has decreased by 75 percent since 1995. However, 5 percent of students reported carrying a weapon on school grounds in the last 30 days alone. Criminal tendencies shift as times change, yet the existence of crime remains consistent. The following are the most common crimes that have occurred on higher-ed campuses:

1. Burglary: This involves entering a property or building without the consent of the owner with intent to commit a felony, theft, or an assault on that property. If the crime takes place on private property that is not someone’s place of residence, the charge is considered a state jail felony. If this is done in someone’s home, the charge escalates to a second-degree felony. 

2. Forcible Sexual Offense: It is not uncommon to hear about sexual assaults that take place at colleges throughout the country. These made up 32 percent of the crimes recorded by the NCVC. Sexual assaults that are committed in Texas are considered a felony and have harsh legal consequences that follow a conviction.

3. Motor Vehicle Theft: Cars may be stolen from college campuses because of the lack of security in certain public places. The severity of legal consequences that result from theft depends on the price of the item stolen. For property stolen that is between $2,500 and $30,000, the offense is considered a state jail felony.

Contact a Wilson County Criminal Defense Lawyer 

Many students run into trouble at some point in their college careers. This is especially typical for young, new undergrads leaving their parents’ home for the first time. While this may be a common occurrence, it can still result in serious legal consequences that may result in a permanent criminal record. At BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys, we understand how a different environment can lead students down a dangerous path, and we work to give those who are facing criminal charges a second chance. With over 40 years of combined experience, our attorneys are well-versed in criminal defense tactics, and we can help address the crimes listed above and any other alleged offenses. If your student is facing criminal charges, contact our Floresville criminal defense attorneys at 830-769-1010 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.30.htm

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.31.htm

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.22.htm#22.011

https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2017/images/en_artwork/Fact_Sheets/2017NCVRW_SchoolCrime_508.pdf