Four college students at San Jose State University in California are facing criminal charges for allegedly tormenting their African-American roommate. The students are facing misdemeanor hate crime and battery charges, to which they have all pleaded not guilty. The charges came after allegations that the students used a bike lock on their roommate’s neck, called him racial slurs, locked him in a room and waved a Confederate flag.
These allegations led to the hate crime and battery charges against the four white students. In addition to the criminal charges, three of the students have been expelled from the university and are not allowed to enroll or attend any other California State University college. The fourth student was suspended and is on probation at the university if he continues to go to school there. He is also required to attend counseling and have a meeting with school officials.
This case is an example of the serious consequences college students can face if they are accused of a hate crime. Hate crimes and battery charges are taken very seriously by law enforcement officials. Individuals convicted of these charges can face serious consequences as well as have the stigma of being labeled a “racist” after being accused of a hate crime.
In addition to the criminal charges you can face, college students can be suspended or expelled after being accused of certain criminal charges. Like this case shows, three of the students were not only expelled from San Jose State University but they are also banned from attending any other college in that school system. This could have a significant impact on their future, even if they aren’t convicted of the criminal charges.
Since criminal charges can result in serious repercussions for your future, you should consult a criminal defense attorney if you are arrested or charged with a hate crime in California.
Source: The Huffington Post, “3 Students Expelled After Being Charged With Hate Crime In California,” May 4, 2014