Scranton, PA criminal defense lawyer at Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam can help you.

Are you a college student in Northeastern Pennsylvania who has been charged with a crime? Unsure what to do? Contact our experienced Scranton student defense attorneys that thoroughly understand charges against college students, Pennsylvania’s laws, and Lackawanna County’s complicated legal system. Contact Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam — we represent students who are facing charges, but we also are ready to help if you are a parent with a college-age child who was arrested or is under investigation.

Founded in 1962 and proudly serving the legal needs of college students in Northeastern Pennsylvania for more than 50 years, Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam has a well-earned reputation for handling a wide range of legal cases. Whether you have been charged with drunk driving or disorderly conduct, our knowledgeable attorneys can work with you and handle every aspect of your legal case from start to finish.

We have a proven track record of success. That’s because our attorneys know Pennsylvania’s legal system inside and out. Our law firm includes a former District Attorney and Chief Public Defender for Lackawanna County. We know the tactics prosecutors use in the courtroom. We know how to win, and we’re eager to work with you.

Charges Against College Students Including DUI, Marijuana Possession, or Other Charges

Our law firm handles a wide range of cases involving college students in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Some of the most common cases we have worked on have involved college students charged with:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI)
  • Underage DUI
  • Underage possession of alcohol
  • Possession of a fake I.D.
  • Marijuana possession
  • Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Assault
  • Sexual assault

All of these charges can have serious consequences, ranging from probation to fines or even jail time. But the penalties can vary widely, and many options exist, including the ARD program for first-time offenders in Pennsylvania.

How Can Experienced Student Defense Attorneys Help with Charges Against College Students?

Even if your charge seems minor, it’s important to remember the consequences of a criminal record. If you have been charged and convicted, that single mistake could follow you for the rest of your life.

Having a criminal record can sometimes make getting a job or a loan much harder. We know how much is at stake. It’s why we will work hard to get a dismissal or minimize the impact of the charges. We represent college students from the following area colleges and universities:

  • University of Scranton
  • Marywood University
  • Lackawanna College
  • Johnson College
  • Penn State Worthington Scranton
  • Keystone College
  • Summit University of Pennsylvania (formerly Baptist Bible College and Seminary)
  • Commonwealth Medical College
  • Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
  • Wilkes University
  • East Stroudsburg University
  • Misericordia University
  • King’s College

Wherever you go to school in Northeastern Pennsylvania, whatever the criminal charge, take your case seriously and contact our law firm today.

“What If I Didn’t Do Anything But I Was In The Vehicle/Area?”

Maybe you didn’t know your friend had marijuana in his car, or perhaps you were driving, but then your intoxicated friend started acting recklessly. Or maybe you were at a party where everyone was drinking, yet some people were underage. While you may not have intentionally done anything wrong, you may still be in trouble with the law if the group you were with did.

Under Pennsylvania culpability requirements, “a person is not guilty of an offense unless he acted intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or negligently, as the law may require, with respect to each material element of the offense.”

However, drug and alcohol possession can carry hefty penalties. Knowing who you’re with, and what they’re bringing can save you from a lot of headaches later. We know that it isn’t easy to control your friends’ actions. That’s why our team will determine your level of culpability to bring more favorable actions against you.

“What If I’m An Out-of-State College Student Charged with a Crime?”

Many students at the University of Scranton, Marywood University, and other area colleges come from New York, New Jersey, and other states throughout the country. International students also often attend many institutions for higher learning in the Scranton area.

Pennsylvania has unique laws regarding underage drinking, DUI, marijuana possession, and other criminal charges. This means it’s smart to have a Pennsylvania attorney on your side rather than a lawyer from your home state or country. The stakes are simply too high to leave your future in the hands of a lawyer who might not understand all of the intricacies of Pennsylvania’s legal system.

The same applies to students from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or other parts of the state located hours away from Scranton. You need a Lackawanna County lawyer you can talk to in person without having to drive half a day and possibly miss class just to talk to your attorney. Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam brings a high level of legal experience to every case we handle – and we’re right here in downtown Scranton to conveniently serve you.

“Why Should I Hire Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam to Represent Me?”

There’s no substitute for extensive courtroom experience. There’s no substitute for success. In case after case, our knowledgeable student defense attorneys have consistently found a way to resolve legal cases involving college students charged with a crime.

Some law firms avoid such complicated cases. We thrive on them. That’s because we understand the consequences of a criminal conviction. That’s why college students and their parents routinely rely on us to help them deal with such serious situations. They know we truly care and want to help students just like you.

We’re prepared to do the hard work to build a compelling legal case; we will communicate clearly with you throughout your legal proceedings; we will not tell you what to do. What we will do is offer advice, so you can make a sound decision. You’re in control. Schedule a free case evaluation right now. Call (570) 348-0776.

Put your trust in a law firm that puts your best interests first. We offer a free case evaluation to all potential clients.

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