Experienced Student Criminal Defense Attorney in Purdue University, IN
An arrest as a student at Purdue University can lead to criminal penalties and educational consequences as you face both a criminal case and a disciplinary conference. You might face fines, imprisonment, the loss of scholarships, and even suspension. It’s crucial that you work with a Purdue University student criminal defense lawyer who understands the criminal justice system and the university’s disciplinary process and can help you protect your future.
Navigate Your Student Criminal Case With The Criminal Defense Team
You want to work with a team that has the experience and specialized focus needed to safeguard your rights. The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C. has a team with five attorneys who are Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists.* There are a total of six specialists in the state. Our firm also includes an attorney who is a former prosecutor, with experience in the prosecution of major felonies.
Our firm handles cases as a team, working together to brainstorm on cases, so that you get the most comprehensive legal defense. We work on cases in teams of two attorneys and a paralegal and provide you with strong support and responsive representation. Our firm understands how to navigate cases involving both criminal charges and student disciplinary proceedings.
If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense for crimes on-campus or off-campus at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indianapolis, or at any of the Polytechnic Institutes, we can help. Let us help you navigate the process with more certainty and aggressive work to protect your future.
*Andrew Baldwin, Kathie Perry, Maxwell Wiley, Kelly Pyle, and Michael C. Cunningham are Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists, as certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Find out why having a Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialist as your defense lawyer is important here.
Common Student Criminal Cases We Can Handle at The Criminal Defense Team
Even minor criminal charges can lead to serious consequences for your education. More serious offenses can be catastrophic for your freedom and your future. At The Criminal Defense Team, we can help defend against charges like:
- Alcohol-related offenses: This can include drinking when you are under 21, fake ID possession, public intoxication, and other alcohol violations. In 2024, there were 160 arrests by the Purdue University Police Department (PUPD) and other agencies for liquor law violations on the West Lafayette campus property. There were also 587 disciplinary referrals, according to the Purdue University 2025 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
- Drug offenses: There were 40 arrests for drug law violations on West Lafayette on-campus property in 2024 and 41 disciplinary referrals, according to the school’s 2025 report. Drug offenses can include possession or dealing in controlled substances like cannabis, prescription medications, and other drugs.
- Driving under the influence: These offenses, called operating a vehicle under the influence or operating while intoxicated (OWI), are also liquor law violations on campus. If you drive while impaired or are over the legal limit while driving, you can be arrested for this offense. OWI arrests may happen at traffic stops or after a collision, often after driving home from parties or other gatherings.
- Property crimes and theft: The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report for Purdue in Indianapolis reported five motor vehicle thefts in 2024 on on-campus property. Other property crimes include vandalism, shoplifting, burglary, and arson.
- Domestic violence: Violence against a partner and/or offenses under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) can lead to domestic violence charges. Stalking and dating violence are other offenses under the VAWA.
- Sex crimes: This includes accusations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. Criminal charges can include rape, sexual battery, internet sex crimes, and sexual misconduct with a minor.
- Violent offenses: Violent offenses include battery, robbery, and homicide offenses. It can also include resisting arrest and certain disorderly conduct offenses. There was one case of aggravated assault in 2024 on West Lafayette on-campus property. Two cases of murder or non-negligent manslaughter also occurred, one on on-campus property and one on on-campus student housing in 2022.
Disciplinary Referral Proceedings at Purdue University
For certain criminal offenses, you could face an administrative conduct conference or Community Standards Board conduct conference with the university. These conferences are used to present information about the charge and give you the ability to rebut information. The conference will determine if you will be held responsible for the charge.
Your responsibility is determined based on a preponderance of the information, which is a much lower burden of proof compared to a criminal conviction. These conferences are also much faster compared to a criminal case, so you have to act quickly to protect your interests.
If the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities determines you are responsible, you have a limited period of time to appeal this decision. Otherwise, you can face sanctions for the offense. In an administrative conduct conference, sanctions will not include suspension or expulsion. A Community Standards Board conduct conference could lead to these consequences.
What Are Potential Penalties for Student Crimes at Purdue University?
The type of criminal offense you are charged with greatly impacts both the criminal and administrative consequences you could face. If you are found responsible for the offense through the university and convicted in criminal court, you could face immediate penalties like:
- Imprisonment in jail, like the Tippecanoe County Jail, or in prison
- Fines, court costs, and restitution to victims
- Criminal probation
- Written warnings
- The loss of your driver’s license
- The loss of financial aid and scholarships
- Disciplinary probation or probated suspension
- Expulsion
You can also face long-term consequences. Having a criminal record is permanent and can prevent current and future opportunities in education, housing, professional licensing, and employment.
Why Should You Hire a Student Criminal Defense Lawyer?
You should hire a student criminal defense lawyer if you’ve been charged with a crime at Purdue University to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future in education. Your attorney explains the charges against you, navigates the process of a conference and criminal case, and helps you through the logistics of each type of proceeding.
The consequences of a criminal charge as a student can affect your education, career, and entire future. The most effective way to minimize or avoid these penalties is to avoid a conviction in court and responsibility in a conference. Working with an attorney brings the greatest chance at a beneficial outcome.
An Experienced Purdue University Student Criminal Defense Attorney
At The Criminal Defense Team, we offer responsive legal support and a 24/7 on-call lawyer, so that you can always get the representation you need. Reach out to our Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists today when you need exceptional legal defense at Purdue University.