Monmouth University Criminal Defense Attorney

Arrested at Monmouth University?

Monmouth University has an absolutely breathtaking campus, full of stunning architecturally designed buildings and lavish landscaping throughout. That coupled with fact that the campus is located in West Long Branch, which is less than one mile away from the beach, Monmouth University is extremely attractive to anyone seeking to advance their education. In fact, annually more than 6,000 students attend this University. However, just like almost every other university in the country, Monmouth University is forced to deal with its fair share of crime. The typical crimes that occur at and around this university include, but are not limited to, possession of marijuana under 50 gramscyber-harassment, disorderly conduct, underage drinking, underage possession of alcohol and simple assault. Anyone arrested and charged with one of these offenses or any other criminal offense for that matter will not only be forced to litigate their charges in either the West Long Municipal Court or the Monmouth County Superior Court, but could also be thrown off campus and even expelled from the university. Although what at first glance may seem minor, could turn into an absolute nightmare.

Local Underage Drinking lawyer near Monmouth UniversityIf you or a loved one has been charged with a crime at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, we strongly urge that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible and learn your options. Being convicted of a crime at such an early age can have a devastating consequence on someone who is just embarking their adult life. To set up a free initial consultation with one of the lawyers at Keith Oliver Criminal Law today, please call our office at 732-858-6959 or you can contact us online. As always, our initial consultations are free of costs and our attorneys are available around the clock to try and help in any way possible. So, if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact us.

I was Charged with a Crime at Monmouth University, Now What?

If you are facing criminal charges that arose at Monmouth University, the type of offense in question will dictate who retains jurisdiction over the charges and as such, where the individual must appear to answer for the charges. In addition, the specific offense will dictate the degree of the crime (misdemeanor/felony) and as a result the potential penalties as well.

Disorderly Persons Offense Lawyer for Monmouth University Incident

Anyone charged with a disorderly persons offense, petty disorderly persons offense or a borough ordinance must appear in the West Long Branch Municipal Court to litigate the charges. The West Long Branch Municipal Court is located at 398 Monmouth Road in Oakhurst. Some of the most common disorderly persons offenses, which is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor, litigated in the West Long Branch Municipal Court include:

Anyone convicted of a disorderly persons offense will be subject to up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in the Monmouth County Jail and a criminal record. The criminal record will not be able to be expunged for at least three years.

Charged with a Felony at Monmouth University

Anyone charged with an indictable offense, which is New Jersey’s version of a felony will be forced to appear in the Monmouth County Superior Court, which is located at 71 Monument Street in Freehold for disposition. Some of the most common felony charges issued at Monmouth University include but are not limited to:

It goes without saying that the stakes are much higher for those charged with a felony offense. The potential penalties can include anywhere from 18 months in prison up to life in prison depending on the specific charge.

Violated the Code of Student Conduct at Monmouth University

It is important to note here that these court hearings will be separate and apart from whatever punishment the university may deem appropriate. In fact, they could even hold a formal disciplinary hearing to determine what the appropriate punishment will be. By far a couple of the most common “codes” that are violated at Monmouth University  include Article 3B7 and 3B16. These two articles state in pertinent part:

ARTICLE 3B7

  • The use, possession, distribution, or being in the presence of a narcotic or other controlled dangerous substance, and/or paraphernalia except as expressly permitted by law.

ARTICLE 3B16

  • Violations of law, or other conduct that directly or indirectly adversely affects the University or members of the University community or affects the reputation of the University.

As you can see from reading above, Article 3B7 expressly deals with situations where it is alleged that the student unlawful possessed some form of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS), that can include marijuana, heroin, MDMA, Oxycontin, Xanax, Ritalin and Adderrall. Where as Article 3B16 is more of a catchall code that can involve a tremendous amount of different types of conduct including general improper behavior, underage drinking, fighting and harassment. This article is very similar to New Jersey’s disorderly conduct charge. For more on the universities code of conduct, please checkout the Monmouth University Student Handbook.

Served a Restraining Order at Monmouth University?

One thing that college is well known for outside of receiving an education is that it tends to be a perfect place for those meeting new people. That includes not only new friend and acquaintances but new romantic relationship. What comes with new romantic relationships is unfortunately breakups and combine those with the partying nature that college tends to be at times, there should be no surprise to hear that restraining orders tend to be a common occurrence.  Anyone served with a temporary restraining order (TRO) will be forced to appear in the Monmouth County Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part for a final restraining order hearing. During this hearing the victim will be seeking to convince the Judge that not only are they a victim of domestic violence but that an order of protection is necessary in order to prevent future acts of domestic violence. The potential ramifications of a final restraining order can be more devastating then some criminal charges. For more information about restraining orders in Monmouth County, please click the link.

Monmouth University Criminal Defense Lawyer

Keith Oliver Criminal Law is a Monmouth County based criminal defense firm that has been defending those accused of crimes in courts throughout the county, including in the West Long Branch Municipal Court and the Monmouth County Superior Court. A criminal conviction, let alone a jail sentence, can be absolutely crippling to anyone on the verge of starting their professional career. If you have been arrest by campus security or the West Long Branch police department and charged with a crime like driving while intoxicatedpossession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated assault, possession of a fake ID, possession of MDMA or any other offense for that matter, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. To set up a free initial consultation today, please contact our office at 732-858-6959.