Facing Drug Charges in College is No Laughing Matter

College is often a time of freedom and experimentation, pushing boundaries and trying new things. For some students, that includes drugs. However, don’t let the fact that you’re a student lull you into a false sense of security. You can face drug charges on multiple counts as a student at a Wisconsin college or university. 

Multiple Jurisdictions Results in Increased Punishments

Students who are charged with drug possession, dealing, or trafficking on a campus are often arrested by campus police. This can exacerbate your situation as you may face criminal drug charges based on school codes and the Wisconsin state criminal code. In those situations, you can expect to face repercussions to your college career as well as your permanent public record.

The University of Wisconsin system classifies drug possession as a non-academic misconduct, which is subject to disciplinary actions such as:

• A written reprimand
• Disciplinary probation
• Removal from a current course
• Enrollment restrictions
• Suspension
• Expulsion

You may face one or multiple actions, depending on your situation.

You’ll also face State of Wisconsin criminal charges, which are complex and differentiated based on the controlled substance in question. The state maintains five different schedules for controlled substances with each schedule carrying its own penalties.

• Schedule I drugs includes LSD, PCP, heroin and THC.
• Schedule II substances include cocaine, opium, codeine, morphine, amphetamines and methadone.
• Schedule III, IV, and V drugs are sometimes non-narcotic and may be prescribed for medical purposes.

The state criminal code also considers past offenses when assigning penalties. First offenses carry less severe penalties than subsequent offenses, but they are not light. Even the lightest of drug charges, a misdemeanor charge, which you’ll face for marijuana, can result in 6-12 months of jail time and $1,000-$,5000 in fines.

Don’t Let Drug Charges Derail Your Future Plans

Any conviction for drug possession, even the most minor, can upend your plans for your career and your future. Do not make the mistake of thinking you’ll receive leniency because you are a college student. Protect your future with help from the drug defense attorneys at Eisenberg Law Offices in Madison, Wisconsin. We will examine the evidence to ensure your rights were and are protected throughout the process. There are a number of defense avenues we can explore, depending on the specifics of your case.

Contact Eisenberg Law Offices to arrange a free case consultation by calling 608-256-8356 or emailing info@eisenberglaw.org.