Philadelphia and the surrounding areas are home to many universities, including Penn, Villanova, Saint Joseph’s, Drexel, La Salle, Temple and more. Police officers in and around these institutions are extremely vigilant in apprehending students accused of any type of misconduct. In certain parts of the metro area, such as Lower Merion, the police are known to take a “zero tolerance” approach to students.
In college, a student’s peer group has an outsized influence. Someone joining the “wrong crowd” or bending to peer pressure could make lapses in judgment. These lapses in judgment, however, should not have to follow a person for the rest of his or her life. If your child has been accused of any crime, it is important to retain a criminal defense lawyer who understands what is at stake.
For years, attorney Michael J. Diamondstein has defended college students throughout Philadelphia. He knows that while many charges faced by college students have relatively minor criminal penalties, there is much more at stake. For instance, certain convictions could jeopardize one’s enrollment, or impact one’s eligibility for scholarships or financial aid. Of perhaps even greater importance, a conviction can limit one’s ability to enter certain professions or graduate programs. As a former prosecutor who has handled tens of thousands cases on either side of the criminal justice system, his experience offers tangible benefits. The firm takes on all types of accusations, including:
In every case, Michael will closely analyze the evidence and identify all potential defenses. Even if the government’s evidence appears to be strong, there may be other options, such as pretrial diversion, that could successfully resolve the case. However your case is resolved, you can rely on Michael to deliver the highest levels of representation and client service along the way.
Call 215-940-2700 or complete the firm’s online contact form to schedule your initial consultation to discuss your specific charges.
It is relatively common for college students and young persons to experiment or recreationally use marijuana and other types of street drugs. The illegal use or sale of prescription drugs, such as Adderall, is also a commonplace event. While dabbling in drug use may appear to be a rite of passage for many young people, the fact is that law enforcement agents go to great lengths to apprehend drug users. If your son or daughter has been accused of drug possession or another drug crime, it is critical to understand just how much is riding on the outcome of the case.
The defense lawyer you select to defend your child can go a long way in determining the outcome of the case. For years, people across Philadelphia have placed their trust in Michael J. Diamondstein. He has protected the rights of students from Villanova, Drexel, La Salle, Saint Joseph’s and other institutions of higher learning across the area.
Even a conviction to a relatively minor charge can have devastating personal and professional consequences for a college student. A conviction could prevent someone from entering certain professional schools, or lead to the elimination of scholarships or student loans. Michael understands the legal and procedural issues involved in drug cases, but also understands the potential impact of a conviction. Consequently, he will work relentlessly to secure the best possible outcome.
For some first-time offenders, accelerated rehabilitative disposition, known as ARD, could prove to be a viable option. With ARD, a defendant would be required to submit to regular drug tests, complete counseling and complete various other tasks ordered by the court. If the defendant passes the program, the charge would be dismissed.
In other situations, a more aggressive approach may be warranted. Michael will look closely at the facts of the case to determine whether the police made a valid search, or if there is some evidence to show that the state cannot meet its burden of proof. However the case is eventually resolved, Michael will provide candid, practical guidance geared toward achieving the best possible outcome.
Call 215-940-2700 or complete the firm’s online contact form to schedule your initial consultation to discuss your specific charges.
Allegations of date rape, or rape between acquaintances, are relatively common on college campuses across the United States. Simply put, a conviction could completely derail a young person’s promising future. A rape or sexual assault conviction could lead to many years in prison and registration as a sex offender. Obviously, these criminal penalties will also limit one’s educational, professional or personal opportunities. If you or your child was accused of date rape, it is vital to retain an attorney as quickly as possible.
Based in Philadelphia, attorney Michael J. Diamondstein is known across the region for his dynamic, skilled approach to the defense of all types of criminal charges. He regularly represents college students across the region, and knows the damage any criminal conviction can have on a young person’s life.
Michael will closely examine every aspect of your case in order to develop the best defense. If there are inconsistencies in the accuser’s version of events, he will bring these to light. As a former prosecutor, he understands how the government goes about preparing these cases, and can anticipate the potential issues that will arise.
With everything that is at stake in these cases, it is important that your lawyer is able to present a strong case at trial if necessary. It is also important to be able to manage any media coverage. Michael has taken on numerous cases that have received extensive press coverage. Moreover, he has earned acquittals for clients facing all types of serious charges, including murder. With his trial experience and overall depth of criminal experience, he is a sound choice to protect your or your child’s rights.
Call 215-940-2700 or complete the firm’s online contact form to schedule your initial consultation to discuss your specific charges.
It is relatively common for college students and young persons to experiment with alcohol and/or street drugs. The illegal use or sale of prescription drugs, such as Adderall, is also a commonplace event. While dabbling in alcohol and drug use may appear to be a rite of passage for many young people, the fact is that law enforcement agents go to great lengths to apprehend drug users. If your son or daughter has been accused of underage drinking and/or a drug crime, it is critical to understand just how much is riding on the outcome of the case
Even a conviction to a relatively minor charge can have devastating personal and professional consequences for a college student. A conviction could prevent someone from entering certain professional schools, cause a loss of driving privileges or lead to the elimination of scholarships or student loans. Michael understands the legal and procedural issues involved in these types of cases and also understands the potential impact of a conviction. He will work relentlessly to secure the best possible outcome.
For some first-time offenders, accelerated rehabilitative disposition, known as ARD, could prove to be a viable option. With ARD, a defendant may be required to submit to regular drug tests, complete counseling and other tasks ordered by the court. If the defendant passes the program, the charge would be dismissed.
In other situations, a more aggressive approach may be warranted. Michael will look closely at the facts of the case to determine whether the police made a valid search, or if there is some evidence to show that the state cannot meet its burden of proof. However the case is eventually resolved, Michael will provide candid, practical guidance geared toward achieving the best possible outcome. Contact attorney Michael J. Diamondstein today.
Learn how Michael J. Diamondstein defends students in Title IX cases.
See what the local and national media are saying about Michael Diamondstein and his cases.