Protecting Your Child's Future with Skilled Legal Defense and Campus Representation
If your child is a student at Brandeis University and has been arrested for domestic violence, the consequences can be fast-moving and severe. Not only do they face criminal prosecution in Waltham District Court, but they may also be subject to Brandeis University disciplinary proceedings, even if the alleged incident occurred off-campus.
At Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we specialize in defending college students charged with crimes, and we have extensive experience helping families navigate both Massachusetts criminal courts and university conduct systems. If you're a parent worried about your child's future, you are not alone—and time is of the essence.
📞 Call (857) 229-2442 now for a confidential consultation.
What Is Considered Domestic Violence in Massachusetts?
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, domestic violence includes a range of conduct such as:
🔹 Assault and battery on a family or household member (G.L. c. 265 §13M)
🔹 Threatening, intimidating, or coercive behavior
🔹 Physical violence or attempted violence
🔹 Strangulation or suffocation (G.L. c. 265 §15D)
🔹 Violations of abuse prevention or restraining orders
Even first-time offenses can lead to mandatory arrest, no-contact orders, and prosecution regardless of victim cooperation. These are not minor charges—they carry serious penalties including up to 2.5 years in jail, mandatory counseling, and a permanent criminal record.
How the Criminal Process Works for Brandeis Students
If a Brandeis student is arrested in or near Waltham, their case will go through Waltham District Court, located at:
Waltham District Court
📍 38 Linden Street, Waltham, MA 02452
📞 (781) 894-4500
The legal process typically involves:
🔹 Arraignment – Formal reading of charges and imposition of release conditions
🔹 Pretrial Conferences and Motions – Case strategy, discovery, and plea negotiations
🔹 Potential Trial or Resolution – Dismissal, pretrial probation, or plea agreement
In some cases, students may face bail conditions, restraining orders, or no-return orders that affect housing, relationships, and class attendance. The criminal case can stretch over several months, interfering with the academic year.
Will Brandeis University Get Involved If the Offense Happened Off Campus?
Yes. Under Section 5 of Brandeis University's Rights & Responsibilities Code, the university reserves the right to discipline students for off-campus misconduct, especially when it involves:
🔹 Violence or threats against another individual
🔹 Dating violence or abusive relationships
🔹 Criminal conduct that reflects poorly on the campus community
The school's Office of Student Rights and Community Standards may launch a parallel investigation, even if no university property or other student was involved. Outcomes may include:
📤 Interim suspension while charges are pending
🛏️ Removal from campus housing
📋 Conduct board hearings that can lead to suspension or expulsion
This is separate from and independent of the criminal case in court.
University Policies and Campus Police Involvement
The Brandeis University Police Department enforces Massachusetts laws and may be involved even in off-campus situations. They also support enforcement of no-contact orders and protective orders issued by the court. Allegations involving students often trigger reviews by:
🔹 Public Safety / Campus Police
🔹 Title IX Coordinator (if the complainant is another student)
🔹 Office of Student Rights and Community Standards
Students may be required to participate in interviews or hearings, even if they are invoking their Fifth Amendment rights in the criminal matter. A criminal defense attorney can help manage the intersection between campus discipline and court defense.
Common Questions from Parents of Brandeis Students
Will This Affect My Child's Future?
Yes. A domestic violence conviction—or even just the accusation—can impact:
🎓 Graduate school admissions
🧑⚖️ Professional licensing (law, medicine, teaching, etc.)
🗃️ Background checks for internships or employment
✈️ Eligibility for study abroad or leadership roles
🏠 Housing and financial aid
Even if the case is dismissed, university records may persist, and online court records may remain public unless sealed.
Can This Be Kept Off My Child's Record?
In many cases, yes—especially for first-time offenders or cases involving inconsistent evidence or recanting witnesses. Options include:
🔁 Pretrial diversion
📝 Pretrial probation (resulting in dismissal)
📂 Record sealing post-dismissal
Hiring an experienced attorney as early as possible can preserve these options. Once a conviction enters the record, it becomes much more difficult to erase.
Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Child, or Can They Use Campus Legal Services?
Campus legal advisors do not provide criminal defense. They may offer limited assistance with student conduct hearings, but they cannot appear in court or protect your child's criminal record.
A qualified local defense attorney is essential to:
🔹 Appear in Waltham District Court
🔹 Protect your child's constitutional rights
🔹 Negotiate with prosecutors
🔹 Minimize the academic impact
🔹 Guide the family through both the court and campus process
Will Brandeis Automatically Be Notified?
In many cases, yes. The university may learn of the charges through:
🔹 Campus police
🔹 Roommates or other student witnesses
🔹 The alleged victim (especially if also a student)
🔹 Local news reports or online court records
Even if the school isn't immediately notified, certain housing, class, or campus restrictions imposed by the court may require disclosure to avoid violating university policy.
Why Choose Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm?
Our attorneys bring decades of combined criminal defense experience and have handled numerous college student cases across Massachusetts—including Brandeis University. We understand the dual challenge of:
🔍 Protecting your child's legal rights in criminal court
🎓 Preserving their education, scholarships, and future career path
We work closely with parents and students to build a strategy tailored to both court outcomes and academic considerations.
Speak With a Student Defense Lawyer Today
Time is critical in domestic violence cases—especially for students. Don't wait to protect your child's future.
Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm
📍 572 Washington Street, Suite 21, Wellesley, MA 02482
📞 (857) 229-2442
Call today for a confidential consultation. Let us fight for your child's future, both in court and at Brandeis.
🚨 URGENT: Facing domestic violence charges near Brandeis? Call now for a confidential consultation.
