By: Attorney Ramy Mikhail Louis, Managing Partner of The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC
College is supposed to be a time of growth, discovery, and learning—but one mistake can lead to serious criminal charges and long-term consequences. For students attending schools like Hofstra University, Stony Brook University, Adelphi University, and Farmingdale State College, facing a criminal charge on or near campus in Nassau County or Suffolk County can derail academic plans and threaten your future. In these situations, consulting a skilled student defense attorney early can make all the difference in protecting your education, financial aid, and future opportunities.
At The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC, we understand how stressful this can be. Our Long Island student defense attorneys regularly defend college students across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Queens who are dealing with both legal charges and school disciplinary hearings. Whether you need a student defense lawyer for a dorm-related incident or a university crimes attorney to protect your future, our Long Island criminal defense attorneys are here to help.
Common College Crimes a Student Defense Attorney Handles
1. Assault and Fighting on Campus
College fights often break out at parties, tailgates, or dorm disputes. What may start as an argument can quickly escalate into an assault charge if someone gets injured.
Example: Two students at Hofstra University get into a fight after a party. One breaks the other’s nose—now he’s facing a misdemeanor assault charge that could turn into a felony depending on the injuries.
2. Harassment Between Students
Tensions with roommates, classmates, or exes can lead to accusations of harassment, including threatening messages or unwanted physical contact.
Example: A student at SUNY Old Westbury sends repeated angry texts to an ex-roommate. Now they’re facing charges and school disciplinary action.
3. Underage Cannabis or Drug Possession
While marijuana is legal for adults 21 and over in New York, students under 21 can still face criminal charges. Additionally, any possession of substances like MDMA, Xanax, or Adderall without a prescription can lead to misdemeanor or felony drug charges.
Example: A 19-year-old Adelphi student is found with cannabis in his dorm room. He’s now facing a drug possession charge and could lose financial aid.
4. Disorderly Conduct and Party-Related Arrests
Loud gatherings, fights, or refusing to disperse during an incident can lead to disorderly conduct charges, especially when alcohol is involved.
Example: After a rowdy off-campus party near Stony Brook University, a group of students is arrested for refusing police orders to leave.
5. Possession or Use of Fake IDs
Many students use fake IDs to get into bars or buy alcohol, not realizing that possessing a forged instrument is a criminal offense.
Example: A Molloy University student uses a fake New Jersey ID to buy drinks. They’re charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument—a serious offense that often requires the help of an experienced student defense attorney.
Additional College Crimes a Student Defense Attorney Can Defend
- Larceny (Theft) – Stealing from a classmate or store can result in petit or grand larceny charges.
- Public Lewdness – College pranks involving nudity or indecent exposure can lead to criminal charges.
- Criminal Mischief – Damaging dorm or school property is a chargeable offense.
- Trespass – Entering off-limits campus areas, especially after hours, can lead to arrest.
- Underage Drinking – New York enforces underage alcohol laws strictly, especially near college towns.
Financial Aid and Student Loans Explained by a Student Defense Lawyer
Drug Offense Convictions Can Lead to Automatic Aid Suspension
If you’re convicted of a drug-related offense while receiving federal aid, you may lose eligibility for:
- Pell Grants
- Federal Work-Study
- Federal Student Loans
Drug Possession Penalties:
- 1st conviction: 1 year without aid
- 2nd conviction: 2 years
- 3rd conviction: Permanent ineligibility
Drug Sale Penalties:
- 1st conviction: 2 years without aid
- 2nd conviction: Permanent ineligibility
How a Student Defense Lawyer Can Help Regain Financial Aid
Students can regain eligibility by:
- Completing an OASAS-certified drug rehabilitation program
- Passing two unannounced drug tests
Even after completing these steps, reapplying for aid may take time—causing delays in your education.
Student Loans and Repayment Struggles
Without access to federal aid, students often have to take out private loans with higher interest rates—or pause their education altogether. A conviction could also lead to loss of scholarships and academic probation.
College Disciplinary Actions Are Separate from Court Charges
Even if your criminal charges are dismissed in court, your school can still impose its own penalties—such as:
- Suspension or expulsion
- Loss of housing privileges
- Ban from campus events
- Academic probation
Many Long Island schools conduct internal student conduct hearings. You may be given limited time to respond, and you’re often not allowed to have an attorney speak during the hearing—but an experienced university crimes attorney can help you prepare your defense and protect your rights.
Why Hiring a Student Defense Lawyer on Long Island Protects Your Future
Criminal charges at a young age can affect your future in ways you may not expect:
- Blocked from study abroad programs
- Barriers to professional licensing (nursing, law, teaching, etc.)
- Red flags on employment background checks
- Loss of internship or graduate program opportunities
Our student defense attorneys at The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC defend students throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Queens. We know how to negotiate with prosecutors and college administrators to protect your record—and your future. Whether you’re facing an arrest, a school hearing, or both, having a student defense lawyer by your side makes all the difference.
Colleges Where Our Student Defense Lawyer Represents Students
Our attorneys represent college students across Long Island and Queens, including:
- Hofstra University (Hempstead)
- Adelphi University (Garden City)
- Stony Brook University (Stony Brook)
- SUNY Old Westbury
- Farmingdale State College
- Molloy University (Rockville Centre)
- LIU Post (Brookville)
- Nassau Community College (Uniondale)
- Suffolk County Community College
- St. John’s University (Queens)
Contact a Trusted Long Island Student Defense Attorney Today
If you or your child is facing criminal charges while attending college on Long Island, don’t wait. The sooner you get legal help, the more options you’ll have for protecting your rights and your academic future.
Contact The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC today for a free, confidential consultation with a trusted Long Island student defense attorney who understands how to fight charges while minimizing disruption to your education.
Let’s take the first step toward protecting your education, record, and future.
FAQ About Student Defense and Costs
Can I lose my FAFSA or Pell Grant if I’m convicted of drug possession?
Yes. If the offense occurred while you were receiving federal financial aid, a conviction for drug possession can result in temporary or permanent ineligibility. You may regain aid by completing a drug rehab program and passing unannounced drug tests.
Will a fake ID conviction show up on a background check?
Yes. Fake ID charges are typically classified under forgery or possession of a forged instrument. These are crimes of dishonesty that can affect employment, graduate school admission, and financial aid eligibility.
Can my school punish me even if the court dismisses my charges?
Yes. Most Long Island schools run their own student conduct hearings that are separate from the criminal courts. You can still face suspension, expulsion, or loss of housing based on the school’s code of conduct—even if your case is resolved favorably in court.
What should I do if I’m contacted by campus police?
Do not speak to police or school investigators without first contacting a student defense attorney. Anything you say can be used in both your criminal case and student disciplinary hearing.
Can my criminal charges affect my immigration status as a student?
Yes. If you’re an international student (F-1 visa), certain charges—especially felonies or drug-related crimes—can lead to visa revocation, removal proceedings, or denial of re-entry into the U.S.
How soon should I hire an attorney?
Immediately. The sooner you speak with a qualified Long Island student defense lawyer, the better your chances of protecting your academic status, avoiding a criminal record, and preserving your financial aid.
What is the average student defense attorney cost in Long Island?
The student defense attorney cost depends on the complexity of your case, whether it involves criminal charges, a campus disciplinary hearing, or both. Some cases may be resolved quickly with minimal court appearances, while others require more extensive representation. The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC offers transparent, affordable rates and flexible payment options for students and families seeking trusted legal help.
