Understanding Violent Offense Charges on DC College Campuses

There is no law in DC or crime of violence offense. This is a categorical term that encompasses several different types of offenses. Generally, in DC law, these offenses are assault charged. Assault constitutes as nonconsensual physical contact, including anything from a light shove to a violent beating. Violent offenses also may include a threat to commit battery. Simply put, if an individual puts another person in reasonable immediate fear of battery, that is a form of assault. For example, pointing a gun at someone can be a form of assault, even if there is no injury or physical contact made.

Most campuses, in their code of conduct, prohibit the same types of behavior. Some universities have a general assault category of offenses or prohibited conduct, while others split this behavior up into threats or assault and battery. Understanding violent offense charges on DC college campuses can be difficult without trained legal counsel by your side. As a result, you may need an attorney if campus law enforcement has charged you with a violent offense.

The Relationship Between Violent Offenses and College Campuses

There are a few different key elements that may contribute to more assault-related offenses on college campuses in DC. The most prominent contributing factor is the widespread use and abuse of alcohol and drugs. This behavior is common on college campuses given the social and cultural environment, the age of experimentation, the freedoms that most students have for the first time, and the access to alcohol and drugs.

These instances of use and abuse lead to lowered inhibitions and students acting more recklessly, which can result in violent conflicts. Another factor that contributes to violent offenses is the close contact between students on campus. Many students live, go to class, and socialize on campus. This higher rate of interaction may lead to more opportunities for assaults to occur.

Types of Offenses

The most common violent offense on campuses is assault or unwanted physical contact. This may include a fight, a verbal argument that escalates into a physical confrontation. Additionally, there is usually alcohol or some other substance involved.

Another type of offense revolves around hazing practices. Any group may use hazing rituals to initiate new members into the group, such as fraternities, sororities, sports teams, bands, social clubs, or any other campus organization.

Sometimes these rituals can take on criminal forms, can be violent, or involve assaultive behavior such as slapping, punching, kicking, and threats. This misconduct also may include forced alcohol consumption or other products that are unhealthy. Students can become seriously injured or killed during these hazing practices.

The combination of peer pressure, excessive alcohol consumption, and one-upmanship that can arise in these sorts of circumstances can lead to violent criminal behavior.

Weapon-related offenses may also occur on college campuses. DC laws define what type of weapons or items are illegal, including firearms, pepper spray, stun guns, tasers, and any other sort of personal protection devices. All of these items are regulated by DC law and typically by campus codes of conduct. If a student wields a weapon as a threat against another person or brandishes a firearm recklessly, those behaviors can lead to a serious offense. In some cases, a student may have their person or dorm searched for another unrelated offense, such as drug possession, and an illegal weapon is discovered.

Domestic violence is another type of violent offense frequently seen on university campuses. Aggressive behavior between former partners, people who are currently in a romantic relationship, or roommates may constitute domestic violence. There are distinct subcategories of assault based on the relationship between the parties involved. As previously mentioned, these sorts of incidents increase in number due to the prevalence of alcohol use and close-quarter living situations common on college campuses.

Consequences

If a student is found guilty of a violent offense on campus, they may face several different types of penalties. Some could be a form of disciplinary probation in which a student has their access to certain privileges on campus revoked, such as participation in sports teams, clubs, or other organizations. It is probably more common that a student may face a more serious penalty, such as loss of campus housing, potentially being banned from certain areas, and suspension or expulsion in more serious cases.

In addition to those consequences, a student may be required to participate in an anger management program, counseling, or therapy classes. They may face criminal penalties as well. DC has strong criminal laws against assault and other violent offenses, and the student may be subject to prosecution under district law for any aggressive misconduct committed on campus. To better understand how violent offense charges may impact their life, an accused student on a DC college campus should reach out to an attorney.

Contact an Attorney for Help Understanding Violence Offenses on University Campuses in DC

If law enforcement charges a student with violently attacking another person, they may face serious consequences that could impact their life for years to come. Therefore, if you are facing allegations of assault or another violent offense, you should speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. They could explain the charges against you and prepare you for any disciplinary hearings. If you need help understanding violent offense charges on DC college campuses, call today.