The cost of education has recently gone up to a level that students do not feel safe paying. This cost is the physical risk involved in attending a college in America. There have been a string of violent crimes on-campus across American campuses in recent months. The latest statistics show there were more than 35,000 reported crimes on U.S. college campuses in just one year.
Last month, a UCLA student was assaulted, getting stabbed several times and slashed in the neck by her organic chemistry lab partner. While the suspect was not known for having any history of committing violent crimes, school officials and law enforcement authorities speculate that the crime was committed after the suspect had a break-down from the stress of the class. An organic chemistry TA noted that the lab portion of the class was extremely difficult, KTLA reported. It is unclear why the 20-year-old defendant, Thompson, who hired a criminal defense attorney, pled not guilty to the charge of attempted premeditated murder. Maybe it was heat of passion killing and they are aiming for lesser homicide charges like manslaughter.
As recent as this week, a hostage stand-off took place at a high school in upstate New York. A man brandishing a gun held the school principal hostage for approximately 2 hours before the stand-off ended without any injuries. The initial police reports indicated that the gunman was a parent of a student who was recently suspended by the principal. This is just another example that demonstrates just how dangerous our school campuses really are. Any crime on school campus is considered a serious crime now, more than ever. Because of the recent events that have unfolded on campuses, courts are prosecuting these crimes aggressively, and it is vital to have a criminal defense lawyer on your side to fight back and ensure you are not being taken advantage of.
Typical crimes that are reported to authorities on campus include purse-snatching in broad daylight, also known as theft or robbery, vandalism, car break-ins, also known as grand theft auto, and shoplifting at campus stores. But there are also cases of horrifying crimes committed on campus which include assault, molestation, rape, and in some extreme cases, murder.
Many school officials have acknowledged that more security measures should be in place, but they maintain that it is impossible to implement a crime prevention plan that is 100% effective. Some schools, however, insist they take adequate precautions to ensure their students’ safety, including the use of patrols and guards. Many criminal defense attorneys agree with this.
There does not seem to be an ideal model for security and safety on school campuses across America. Perhaps, over time, school officials, government legislators and the general public will finally sit down to implement a system that is both effective and efficient.
To follow the recent incidents in the news, go to:
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-ucla-young-stabbing,0,2019304.story
