Arizona State University has one of the largest student enrolment populations in the country. With campuses spread out across Tempe, Phoenix and Mesa and many on-campus and off campus housing options, many students choose ASU to continue their education.  At the same time, ASU also has a reputation for being "party school and hosts many sporting events, concerts  and other widely attended activities."  Consequently, students and visitors to the ASU campus and surrounding areas often find themselves being contacted by the Arizona State University Police Department or the Tempe Police Department for a number of reasons.

Generally, ASU students and campus visitors incur charges such as DUI, underage drinking, possession of marijuana or other drugs, disorderly conduct or trespassing if contacted and investigated by the police.  However on some occasions, students are also charged with more serious offenses such as sale of marijuana or other drugs, assault or burglary. Unfortunately, any criminal charge or conviction could affect a student's standing at the university as well as his or her ability to secure a good job following graduation.

Whether cited for a DUI, underage drinking or other misdemeanor offense by the ASU Campus Police Department, you will be directed to appear at the University Lakes Justice Court which is located at 201 East Chicago Street, Chandler, Arizona.  There, you will meet with a prosecutor from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office who will discuss with you, or your lawyer, the facts of your case and any potential plea offers. If arrested by the Tempe Police Department, you will be required to appear at Tempe Municipal Court and meet with a member of the city prosecutor's office.  In more serious felony cases, you will be required to appear in the Maricopa County Superior Court.

Charges filed against ASU students will proceed in  the same manner as any other criminal charge. Specifically, your first court appearance will be an arraignment where a "Not Guilty" plea is usually entered followed by pre-trial conferences with the prosecutor with the goal of reaching a potential resolution.  Finally, if your case is not resolved by a dismissal, plea agreement or diversion,  a trial date will be scheduled. 

Aside from the potential penalties allowed by law including a permanent conviction, fines, probation or even jail, students charged with criminal offenses on the ASU campus also risk disciplinary measures from the school.  Students can be served with a code of conduct violation, required to appear at a disciplinary hearing and can face suspension, classes or even expulsion depending upon the nature of the allegation.

Undoubtedly, you should treat any allegation of criminal conduct very seriously as a conviction could affect your standing at Arizona State University and negatively impact your ability to find gainful employment following graduation.  Given the potential consequences, you should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can thoroughly investigate the charges against you, negotiate the case with the prosecutor and obtain the most favorable outcome possible. 

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