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Criminal Defense of College Students Helping People Defend Their Rights Since 1980

Criminal Defense of College Students in Windham County

Helping You Address Charges of Drug Crimes, DUI & More

If you are a student at Eastern Connecticut State University, the University of Connecticut, Connecticut College, or one of the community colleges in Eastern Connecticut and you are facing criminal charges, The Law Office of Jerome Paun can help you. We know you are probably feeling scared and confused. You may be worried about how your parents will react if they find out. You're probably worried about how the criminal charges might affect your education and your future. A criminal conviction may not only result in your incarceration but also your suspension or expulsion from college, exclusion from campus housing, and loss of financial aid. Your future is at stake!

A Skilled Windham County Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Minimize Adverse Consequences

The short and long-term effects of a mistake may be minimized with a skillful criminal defense attorney, like Attorney Paun, helping you. Don't go to court alone, even if your friends have in the past and you think you can handle it yourself. Unless you are an auto mechanic, you probably wouldn't think of fixing your car when it breaks down. Criminal charges are too serious to try to take care of on your own. Your education and future are at stake. You could end up with a criminal conviction and other adverse consequences that could be avoided with competent criminal defense counsel.

We understand how frightening it can be to face criminal charges, but we are prepared to stand beside you and help you through. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

College Disciplinary Proceedings Make Things Worse

In addition to the criminal charges that could cost you your freedom, you are also probably about to face college disciplinary proceedings that could result in your discipline, including suspension or expulsion from college, and/or your eviction and exclusion from campus housing. This situation creates a serious dilemma for college student defendants. Unlike non-student defendants, college student defendants facing college disciplinary proceedings will feel compelled to defend themselves by making statements to college officials. While your failure to defend yourself in a college disciplinary proceeding may have adverse effects on your education at the college, defending yourself by making a statement may result in even more serious adverse consequences in court as your statements can and will be used against you there. You have some very serious decisions to make that will affect your future. Don't make those potentially life-changing decisions without the help of a competent criminal defense counselor like Attorney Paun.

The Law Office of Jerome Paun Can Help You Protect Your Rights In Court & On Campus

You have rights, and we want to protect them in a way that minimizes adverse consequences not only in court but also on campus. The most important rights are the right to remain silent and to be represented by an attorney but most colleges prohibit lawyers from representing students in disciplinary proceedings. In many cases though, we have found that with proper coaching from Attorney Paun, students can effectively represent themselves at college disciplinary proceedings, minimizing adverse consequences there, while still preserving their constitutional right against self-incrimination. To accomplish this it is most important that you consult with and retain competent criminal defense lawyer before you talk to the police, other campus officials, or participate in college disciplinary proceedings.

Important Things to Remember:

  • Don't talk to your friends about the incident resulting in your criminal charges either.
  • If things you have told them are discovered by the police or others investigating the incident, your friends could be compelled to testify against you in court.
  • If you do not specifically authorize us to talk to your parents, we won't.
  • Your communications with us are lawyer-client privileged communications that we are not at liberty to divulge to others, even your parents, unless you give us your permission to do so.

Providing Skilled Criminal Defense

At The Law Office of Jerome Paun, we will provide you with a skilled college student criminal defense lawyer who fights to protect the rights of college students accused of criminal charges, including but not limited to:

  • Felony drug charges
  • Violent crimes, such as assault and sexual assault
  • Using or making fake ID's
  • Drug possession, sales, and manufacture
  • Possession of alcohol by a minor
  • Breach of peace and disorderly conduct
  • Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs OUI/DUI

Youthful Offenders

If you are under 18 years old, you may be treated as a youthful offender (YO). If so, any criminal conviction record that results from a YO conviction will be sealed from public view and your YO criminal record will be erased when you attain the age of 21 if you have not been convicted of a felony after your YO conviction but before your 21st birthday. Please click on and read the alternatives to jail / diversionary programs link on this website for more information about YO and other programs that may save you from a criminal conviction record and/or a jail sentence.

Getting a Skilled Advocate in Your Corner

Dedicated Windham County college student defense attorney Jerome Paun can be present during police interviews and advise you on answering questions. If you provide false information to the police, for example, you may be arrested for that alone. He is also available for pre-arrest counsel to provide input during the police investigation.

Contact us for a Free Initial Consultation

We have defended many college and high school students in Eastern Connecticut and have achieved favorable results in many cases. Please call us toll-free at (860) 455-4202.

Why Choose The Law Office of Jerome Paun?

  • Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney: Recognized Excellence Since 2014
    The National Trial Lawyers and American Society of Legal Advocates have recognized Attorney Jerome Paun as a Top 100 criminal defense attorney since 2014.
  • Your First Step to Justice: Free Initial Consultation for New Clients!
    All of our new clients are entitled to a free initial consultation. Call or email now!
  • Decades of Expertise: Navigating Legal Challenges for Over 40 Years
    Attorney Paun has over 40 years of experience helping people in trouble.
  • Comprehensive Defense: Protecting Your Rights Against Serious Charges in Connecticut Courts
    We defend adults and juveniles against all serious felonies, misdemeanors, and OUI's in Connecticut courts.

A Reputation of Excellence

  • National Trial Lawyers
    National Trial Lawyers
  • Avvo Rating 10.0
    Avvo Rating 10.0
  • Avvo Reviews
    Avvo Reviews
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2019
    Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2019
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2020
    Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2020
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2021
    Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2021
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2022
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2023
    Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2023

    Protect Your Future

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    • "Excellent Lawyer says it all!"
      Excellent Lawyer in which covers all his clients needs! "
      Past Client
      Windham, CT
    • "Without Jerome I'm not sure what I would have done"
      He was very knowledgeable and took away the stress from the situation at hand. Jerome was there with me every step of the way, going to the court room and staying in touch throughout the weeks while the case was open.
      Past Client
      Willimantic, CT
    • "I would recommend you to anyone who needs Attorney"
      5.0 stars Thank you for taking the time to answer all my questions and concerns about my nephew’s case. Although it is not something you handle, you were more than helpful and understanding. Offering suggestions about the best course of action and who I should contact. I would recommend you to anyone who needs Attorney that listens to all you have to say and is out for their best interest
      Granby, CT
    • "If you ever find yourself in a bind, don't hesitate to contact Jerome Paun."
      If you ever find yourself in a bind, don't hesitate to contact Jerome Paun.
      Gene
    • "He was very skilled at putting us at ease, without trying to lie to us to make us feel better. "
      He was very skilled at putting us at ease, without trying to lie to us to make us feel better.
      Past Client
    • "I definitely suggest him; he will fight for you!"
      I definitely suggest him; he will fight for you!
      Connor
    • "“ Thank God, I found an attorney who took the time to actually investigate the facts of the case”"
      In 2017, I acquired three felony charges against me that were pending investigation, after many court appearances a friend referred me to Attorney Jerome Paun who had the foresight to actually investigate the complete facts of the case and decided that a neutral district would be beneficial to our case. Attorney Paun with his expertise and caring attitude understood the immediate need to resolve the matter completely. Due to his outstanding perseverance and caring staff, my case was resolved in a very timely and efficient manner. He and his staff went above and beyond to help. I would highly recommend him if you seem to be in need of an attorney. “Thank you again”
      Corrine
      Ocala, FL
    • "Best in CT!"
      Attorney Paun was meticulous and detail-oriented in bringing a complex case to a mutually acceptable outcome.
      Val
      Franklin, MA