Legal Blog

When you send your child off to college or university, you expect them to be kept safe. That’s why parents and students alike worry about the many crimes that happen on campus and in surrounding areas.

According to various sources over the past few years, Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania are ranked as some of the most dangerous college campuses in the U.S. It’s no surprise, then, that campus police have been cracking down on all crimes—especially the rampant property crimes like robbery and burglary. Despite an increase in security protocols, the number of robbery and burglary cases on college campuses in Philadelphia has remained too high over the past few years. This has created a cycle of stricter and stricter campus safety measures to try and cut down on property crimes on campus.

What If I Am A Suspect?

Unfortunately, some of these campus security actions have been too heavy-handed or quick to jump to conclusions. Many innocent students or visitors have been prosecuted for campus robberies and campus burglaries on little or no evidence. These people find themselves in difficult situations, often with little defense.

With such severe consequences for robbery or burglary on campus, these charges must be taken seriously. While few people realize it, sneaking electronics out of an unlocked dorm room is equivalent in the eyes of the law to breaking and entering a home, since both are considered private residences. As such, it is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in state prison and a $25,000 fine. If convicted, you will most likely serve at least several years of jail time, even with no prior record. Even for robbery or burglary charges for crimes that are committed on other parts of campus will be prosecuted severely by Philly law enforcement.

On-Campus Crime Consequences in Pennsylvania

If you are a student, the consequences only get worse. An accusation of on-campus burglary can lead to an expulsion, no matter what plea deal you get from the state. This means that even if charges are lessened, you face long-term educational consequences that can be hard to undo. For this reason, it is important to have the best possible defense available aided by an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer.

If you have been accused of robbery or burglary on any college campus here in Philly and around the Montgomery County, Bucks County, or Delaware County areas, call us at Fienman Defense right away at (215) 839-9529 for a free consultation on your case. We know how hard you have worked to get to where you are. Don’t let a mistake or misunderstanding ruin it all; get the best defense possible. We will put our team of Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers on your case and work hard to get you the best outcome possible.