Fighting on Campus in NC
Wilmington Criminal Defense Attorney Representing College Students
Have you been accused of starting or participating in a fight while on a North Carolina college or university campus? Were you actually in a fight but do not believe it constitutes a serious criminal or security concern? Either way, the university administration may be looking to have you severely penalized for your alleged actions, possibly even removed from their campus.
When it comes time to defend yourself from some of the most serious charges a college student can face, Wilmington criminal defense attorney, James Rutherford, has the knowledge and the skills to craft you an intelligent, reliable case. As a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, he can adapt his strengths and abilities normally reserved for protecting people accused of serious criminal violations, such as assault or sex crimes, to your university fighting case.
Some of the reasons why you should trust Attorney Rutherford with your case are:
- He has 19+ years of legal and trial experience.
- He has been selected to Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠.
- He has achieved an AV® Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®.
- He offers FREE initial consultations.
Defense to Fighting Accusations
You cannot expect to succeed in your fighting case if you do not present a reasonable defense against the accusations. University disciplinary panels will rarely conduct their own investigations into the matter; instead, they will assume that someone has broken their Code of Conduct and that they must take severe action to set an example for other students on campus. Whether they want to expel you or remove you from classes, you have the right to tell your side of the story and protect your education.
Defensive strategies that may be used for your fighting case include:
- Mistaken identity: There are plenty of students on any given university or college campus, and there is no guarantee that each will look entirely unique. Mistaken identity can be even more prevalent on campus due to the fact that faculty are not known to recognize students and students can dress similarly with university-branded clothing.
- Self-defense: As with a criminal defense assault and battery case, sometimes a person engages in a fight only due to necessity. Protecting yourself from the attacks of another should not be penalized. Similarly, intense or persistent provocation intentionally stirring you into fighting should make the provoker liable, not yourself.
- Lack of consequence: Not every fight that breaks out on a university or college campus is going to have serious consequences or even lasting injury. If the only harm is a bruise or two and all parties involved with a fight do not feel threatened and do not want to pursue disciplinary actions, the university should not take it upon themselves to punish them.
There When You Need Assistance
Wilmington criminal defense lawyer, James Rutherford has made a reputation for being responsive to his clients’ needs and tenacious in and out of court when the opposition bears down on the people he defends. If you want to learn more about the services he can provide you for your campus fighting case, make sure you schedule a free case evaluation as soon as you can.
If you want to speak with him or his team right away, you can call (910) 595-1377 at any time.