Criminal Defense for Sacramento Region College Students
As young people pack up their computers, clothes, iPods, and posters and head off to begin the fall college term, parents watch them go with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. College is a time when intellectual skills are sharpened and horizons expanded. It's also a time when many young people can forget that their actions - even if they are just part of "college fun" - can fall outside of what is legally acceptable, and thus be subject to criminal prosecution.
The vast majority of college students make it through their four (or five or six) years without facing criminal charges. But unfortunately we see students who are good people make ill-advised decisions that put them in situations they never imaged they'd be in. This can include drinking at a party off-campus and then getting behind the wheel only to be pulled over for DUI, or being arrested for underaged consumption of alcohol at a school festival, like Picnic Day at UC Davis. It can also include vandalism or theft of school property as part of what was thought to be a "prank" on fellow students. The list of potential violations is as varied and lengthy as that for those us not in school.
Local residents in Davis, San Luis Obispo, Chico and numerous other cities have becoming increasingly frustrated with unruly behavior by the college students. Many communities are taking a much tougher stance against traditional frat house behavior and demanding that city and university police departments be much more aggressive in enforcement of criminal codes.
So parents, we strongly advise you to make sure that your college bound children understand that their increased independence while away at school brings with it increased responsibility and the potential for serious consequences if the law is broken. In addition, make sure that they understand their rights if they find themselves being questioned by police. A little forethought can prevent troubles that might have long-term negatives consequences.

