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Criminal Law/school disciplinary

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Expert: - 2/22/2006


Question
Hi, thank you for your help in advance. My brother is a freshman at SUNY Albany. Recently, some kids that were playing football outdoors of his dorm were shot by airsoft gun. At the time he was in class. Unfortunately his dorm window was open. The school suspected him and searched his room. They found an airsoft gun; he was at class during the time, and there was a screen on the window which made it NOT possible to shoot out the window anyways. They also found an altered NYS driver's license, and antibiotics (which my mother gave him for acne). The school suspended him for 1.5 years, and he have a crimical court date coming up on March. Please help. What should I do to help him.  

Answer
    Not knowing the other side of the story (the version of the school and their police or whoever investigated) I would be hesitant to comment.  However the school most likely has an appeal process so I would suggest that your brother take advantage of that.  In the meantime he needs an attorney since it seems that he was charged with a criminal offense.  My advice to him would be to retain an attorney asap to assist him in the criminal case and getting back into school.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

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