What Are Common College-Related Criminal Charges in Nashville?
College students in Nashville, TN, face more than academic consequences when things go wrong. A citation or arrest on or near campus can turn into a criminal charge that follows them well beyond graduation. At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, we typically see students from schools like Vanderbilt, Belmont, TSU, Lipscomb, MTSU, and others, charged with drug possession, DUI, assault, and theft, in many cases, for the first time in their lives.
When our Nashville, TN, criminal defense lawyers work with college students and their families, our goal is simple. We intervene early, explain the process clearly, and protect their future from one bad decision or a misunderstanding that got out of hand.
Why College Students Get Arrested in Nashville, TN
Many campus-related cases start with something small, including a dorm party, a traffic stop, a loud argument, or a routine check by campus security. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), drug and alcohol violations are consistently among the most reported crimes on college campuses in the state.
In a recent year, Tennessee colleges reported over 1,100 drug-related violations and more than 600 liquor law violations across public campuses alone. In Nashville specifically, students are often cited or arrested for:
- Possession of marijuana or prescription drugs without a prescription
- Underage drinking
- Fake IDs
- Disorderly conduct or public intoxication
- Assault
- Sexual misconduct allegations
- Shoplifting or theft
Some students don’t realize that criminal charges don’t disappear after graduation or even after a dismissal from court. A public record can follow you for years, showing up on background checks and limiting your career or graduate school options.
How a Nashville, TN, Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help Students and Families Navigate the Legal System
A defense attorney doesn’t just step in to defend charges. They guide students and their families through a system that can feel confusing and stacked against them. College-related cases require a specific approach. Many involve first-time offenders who may qualify for pretrial diversion, judicial diversion, or expungement. However, that doesn’t happen automatically. It takes planning, early advocacy, and a clear understanding of how local courts operate.
For instance, if you’re charged with simple marijuana possession, you may be eligible for expedited diversion depending on the facts of your case. However, if you miss a court date or say the wrong thing to the prosecutor, that chance can vanish. Your Nashville, TN, criminal defense lawyer will ensure you take advantage of every available option, whether that’s keeping the charge off your record entirely, negotiating a reduced offense, or securing a dismissal.
In more serious cases, such as sexual assault allegations, your lawyer can review how the investigation started, what evidence was collected, and whether your rights were respected. These cases significantly rely on conflicting statements or texts, and rushing to plead guilty can be a devastating mistake. Your attorney can likewise coordinate with Title IX advisors when you face both a criminal investigation and school disciplinary action.
Seek Legal Help From Our Nashville, TN, Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
One mistake doesn’t have to define the rest of your life. Learn how our Nashville, TN, criminal defense attorneys at Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, can help protect your future, reputation, and peace of mind by arranging your free case evaluation online or at 615-846-9889.