What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania
I attend York College of Pennsylvania a private school. I lived in a campus owned townhouse at the time of this incident. I can provide details of the case if anyone thinks they can offer any kind of defense. My roomates car was seen driving away after throwing an egg at a campus security van. They took his tag, ran it and arrived at our townhouse with a police officer from the local township. No one was home at the time, so no one answered the door, the police officer left the campus and instructed campus security to call him if anyone came home etc. Less then 5 minutes later campus security took the liberty of going in our house and went upstairs in our rooms to "see if anyone was home". A marijuana pipe was in plain view, upon searching the house they found drugs, money, a scale etc. They called the police officer back to the scene and we have since been charged with poss. with intent, paraph., recieving stolen property, and criminal mischief.
The student housing contract reads:
The College reserves the right to search a room when there is probable cause that a policy violation or crime has been or is being committed. Appropriate law enforcement agencies may be contacted if necessary.
Campus security changed there reason for entering the apartment several times during our hearing with the school, originally they said alcohol was in plain view from the front door(which did not latch properly and "swung open" when they knocked on the door) and eventually just reverted to the fact that they believed we were involved in a crime. The handbook also reads that they should try to ensure that the occupants are home before any search occurs, and they must wait a reasonable amount of time.
Am I screwed based on the fact that it is their property?What is the name of your state?
Thanks in Advance
Matt
I attend York College of Pennsylvania a private school. I lived in a campus owned townhouse at the time of this incident. I can provide details of the case if anyone thinks they can offer any kind of defense. My roomates car was seen driving away after throwing an egg at a campus security van. They took his tag, ran it and arrived at our townhouse with a police officer from the local township. No one was home at the time, so no one answered the door, the police officer left the campus and instructed campus security to call him if anyone came home etc. Less then 5 minutes later campus security took the liberty of going in our house and went upstairs in our rooms to "see if anyone was home". A marijuana pipe was in plain view, upon searching the house they found drugs, money, a scale etc. They called the police officer back to the scene and we have since been charged with poss. with intent, paraph., recieving stolen property, and criminal mischief.
The student housing contract reads:
The College reserves the right to search a room when there is probable cause that a policy violation or crime has been or is being committed. Appropriate law enforcement agencies may be contacted if necessary.
Campus security changed there reason for entering the apartment several times during our hearing with the school, originally they said alcohol was in plain view from the front door(which did not latch properly and "swung open" when they knocked on the door) and eventually just reverted to the fact that they believed we were involved in a crime. The handbook also reads that they should try to ensure that the occupants are home before any search occurs, and they must wait a reasonable amount of time.
Am I screwed based on the fact that it is their property?What is the name of your state?
Thanks in Advance
Matt