M
arijuana Defense for KSU Students
YOUR TRUSTED GEORGIA ATTORNEY WITH
THE COURAGE TO FIGHT FOR YOU
Marijuana Defense for KSU Students
Getting caught with marijuana in college can feel like the end of the world.
It isn’t.
If you are a Kennesaw State University student facing a marijuana charge, however, you do need to take it seriously. What looks like a relatively minor incident can create problems with the criminal justice system, KSU, university housing, and potentially your future.
I’m Joshua J. Smith, a Georgia trial attorney practicing since 2000. I represent people accused of crimes throughout Georgia, and I believe in getting to work instead of giving up.
Losing hope is not an option.
Marijuana Charges Can Follow You Beyond the Courtroom
Attitudes toward marijuana have changed considerably, but that does not mean a KSU student can simply ignore a marijuana charge.
Depending on the allegations, questions can arise about possession, the amount involved, where the marijuana was found, and whether police believe it was intended for personal use or distribution.
For a student, there is another issue: Kennesaw State University has its own drug policies.
KSU prohibits illegal drugs in university housing. Its residential rules also prohibit drug paraphernalia and contain rules involving students who are present where illegal drugs are being used.
That means an incident can potentially create two problems at once: the criminal matter and a university conduct matter.
What If the Marijuana Wasn't Mine?
This is one of the first questions we may need to discuss.
College students live with roommates. They ride in friends’ cars. They go to parties. They spend time in apartments and dorm rooms where numerous people may have access to the same spaces.
Finding marijuana near you does not necessarily answer the question of who legally possessed it.
Suppose police find marijuana in a car with four people inside. Or it is found in a common area of an apartment shared by several students. The situation may be very different from marijuana being found directly in someone’s pocket.
The facts matter.
Don’t assume you are automatically guilty simply because you were there.
Can KSU Punish Me Even If I Have a Criminal Case?
Yes, university disciplinary proceedings and criminal proceedings are different processes.
Kennesaw State’s Student Conduct and Academic Integrity department handles alleged violations of university conduct rules. The university explains that its disciplinary process can proceed independently of a police case.
Possible university sanctions include warnings, probation, educational programs, removal from housing, suspension, and expulsion.
For students under 21, there is another concern. KSU says its parental notification policy can allow parents to be contacted when a student under 21 is found responsible for violating drug or alcohol rules. Notification is not automatic, but it is permitted under the policy.
So don’t look only at what might happen in court. We need to think about the larger situation.
Don't Let a Marijuana Charge Decide Your Future
You came to Kennesaw State to build something for yourself. A marijuana arrest or accusation can be frightening, but it does not erase everything you’ve already accomplished.
What you should not do is ignore the problem and hope it disappears.
Let’s find out what actually happened, what evidence exists, and what options you have.
If you are a Kennesaw State University student accused of marijuana possession or another marijuana-related offense, call Joshua J. Smith, Attorney at Law.
Tell us what happened. Then we’ll get to work.
Contact a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know is facing drug trafficking charges with an attempt to distribute, it is crucial to seek the representation of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Contact Joshua J. Smith, Attorney at Law, by calling us at (706) 217-2095 or filling out our contact form.
