University City is home to some of Philadelphia’s most prestigious institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, the University of the Sciences, and several research hospitals and academic centers. It is also a neighborhood where students, faculty, staff, and residents can find themselves facing serious criminal charges that threaten their education, careers, and futures. If you are looking for a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer who understands the unique legal pressures of the academic community, the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC is here to help.
Criminal defense attorney Marni Jo Snyder has tried thousands of cases in both state and federal courts and provides aggressive defense representation to University City clients facing charges including sexual assault, drug possession, gun crimes, DUI, assault, homicide, and felony convictions. Our Center City office at 1500 Walnut Street is just minutes from University City by SEPTA, car, or bicycle.
Criminal Defense for College Students in Philadelphia
A criminal arrest during college can derail years of hard work in an instant. Beyond the courtroom penalties, a criminal charge can trigger university disciplinary proceedings, result in suspension or expulsion, disqualify you from financial aid, and create a permanent record that follows you into graduate school applications and job interviews for the rest of your career.
As a college student criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia, Marni Jo Snyder understands that the stakes for students go far beyond what appears on the criminal docket. Our firm works to protect not only your legal rights but your academic standing and your future. We coordinate our defense strategy with awareness of how criminal outcomes may interact with your university’s student conduct process, and we fight for resolutions that minimize the long-term impact on your education and career.
If you are a student at Penn, Drexel, or any other Philadelphia-area institution and you have been arrested or charged with a crime, contact us before speaking to campus police, university administrators, or Title IX investigators. What you say in these settings can be used against you in criminal court, and having an experienced criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia advising you from the start is essential.
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Sexual Assault Defense and Title IX Investigations in University City
Sexual assault allegations on college campuses carry dual consequences: a criminal prosecution in the Philadelphia court system and a separate Title IX disciplinary investigation conducted by the university. These two processes have different rules, different standards of proof, and different timelines, but the outcome of one can directly affect the other. Navigating both simultaneously without experienced legal counsel is extremely risky.
If you are searching for a college sexual assault defense lawyer in Philadelphia or a Title IX defense lawyer in Philadelphia, our firm has the experience to defend you on both fronts. Attorney Marni Jo Snyder represents University City clients facing charges including:
- Sexual assault – Intercourse or deviate intercourse without consent, a second-degree felony under Pennsylvania law
- Rape – Sexual assault involving force, threat of force, or an incapacitated victim, a first-degree felony
- Statutory rape – Sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of consent, particularly relevant when age differences between students trigger statutory thresholds
- Sexual abuse – Allegations of sexual contact involving force, coercion, or a position of authority
- Sexual misconduct – Indecent contact, exposure, or unwanted touching charges
- Sex crimes – The full spectrum of sex-related offenses including internet-based charges and solicitation
A conviction for a sex offense carries severe penalties including years of imprisonment, mandatory registration under Megan’s Law, and permanent damage to your personal and professional life. Our defense strategy focuses on challenging the credibility and consistency of the accusations, examining physical and digital evidence, investigating the timeline and circumstances of the alleged incident, and ensuring that your constitutional rights were protected throughout the investigation.
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Drug Possession and Drug Crime Defense in University City
Drug-related charges are among the most common criminal matters affecting college students in University City. Whether the arrest involves marijuana, prescription medications, cocaine, MDMA, psychedelics, or other controlled substances, a drug conviction can result in jail time, a permanent criminal record, loss of federal financial aid eligibility, and university disciplinary consequences including suspension or expulsion.
As a student drug possession lawyer in Philadelphia, Marni Jo Snyder defends University City clients facing the full range of drug charges:
- Drug possession – Simple possession of a controlled substance for personal use
- Possession with intent to deliver (PWID) — a felony charge that prosecutors often pursue based on the quantity of drugs found, even when there is no evidence of actual distribution
- Drug trafficking – Charges involving the transportation or sale of controlled substances
- Drug manufacturing – Charges related to the production or cultivation of controlled substances
- Federal drug crimes – Cases prosecuted under federal statutes carrying harsh mandatory minimum sentences
Our firm challenges drug charges by scrutinizing the legality of the stop, search, or surveillance that led to the arrest. Campus police, Philadelphia Police, and university security all operate under different rules and authority, and violations of your Fourth Amendment rights at any level can result in evidence being suppressed. We also explore diversion programs and first-offender options that may allow eligible students to resolve their case without a permanent criminal conviction.
Underage Drinking and Fake ID Defense in University City
Underage drinking and the use of fake identification are common charges in University City’s campus neighborhoods. While these offenses may seem minor compared to felony charges, the consequences for college students can be significant. A conviction for underage drinking (Purchase, Consumption, Possession, or Transportation of Alcohol by a Minor) in Pennsylvania can result in fines, license suspension of up to 90 days, and a criminal record. Fake ID charges (including the use of a fraudulent identification card or another person’s identification) can carry misdemeanor penalties.
For students, the collateral consequences often matter more than the criminal penalties.
An alcohol-related conviction can trigger disciplinary proceedings that affect housing, scholarships, Greek life membership, athletic eligibility, and academic standing. If you are searching for an underage drinking lawyer in Philadelphia or a fake ID lawyer in Philadelphia, our firm fights for outcomes that protect your record and your future.
DUI Defense for University City Students and Residents
DUI enforcement along University City’s corridors, including Market Street, Lancaster Avenue, and the streets connecting to Center City’s nightlife, affect students, faculty, hospital workers, and residents alike. A DUI conviction in Philadelphia carries escalating penalties based on blood alcohol content and prior offenses, ranging from probation and fines for a first offense to mandatory jail time, extended license suspension, and ignition interlock requirements for repeat offenses.
For students, a DUI conviction can also jeopardize financial aid, campus housing, and future employment. For faculty, researchers, and medical professionals working at University City institutions, a DUI can trigger professional licensing consequences. Our firm defends University City DUI cases by challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of field sobriety tests, the calibration and administration of breathalyzer and blood tests, and the procedures followed during arrest.
Gun Crime Defense in University City Philadelphia
University City is subject to the same strict firearms laws that apply across Philadelphia, which requires a License to Carry Firearms for both open and concealed carry. Firearms arrests in and around campus areas carry severe consequences, and the proximity of schools and universities can trigger enhanced sentencing provisions under Pennsylvania law.
If you are facing a gun charge in Philadelphia, our firm defends clients against charges including:
- Carrying a firearm without a license – A third-degree felony carrying up to 7 years in prison
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon – A second-degree felony with mandatory minimum sentences
- Carrying a firearm on public streets in Philadelphia – A first-degree misdemeanor
- Possession of a firearm in a prohibited area, including within school zones
As a felony lawyer in Philadelphia, Marni Jo Snyder challenges unconstitutional stops and searches, illegal vehicle searches, and Fourth Amendment violations that frequently underlie University City firearms arrests.
Assault and Violent Crime Defense in University City
Violent crime charges in University City can arise from a range of circumstances, from confrontations near campus to incidents in residential areas, bars, and public transit. Charges including aggravated assault, armed robbery, carjacking, and domestic violence carry felony-level penalties including years of imprisonment. For students, an assault conviction can result in immediate expulsion and a criminal record that eliminates future educational and employment opportunities.
Our firm investigates every aspect of the incident, reviews surveillance footage, challenges unreliable witness testimony, and asserts defenses including self-defense, defense of others, and mistaken identity.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving University City Today
The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC is located at 1500 Walnut Street, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102 is just minutes from University City via the Market-Frankford Line, trolley, bus, or a short drive across the Schuylkill River. We serve clients throughout University City and surrounding neighborhoods, including Spruce Hill, Powelton Village, Mantua, and West Philadelphia.
Whether you are a college student facing your first criminal charge, a faculty member protecting your career, or a University City resident dealing with a serious accusation, our team is ready to fight for you. Call 215.515.3360 today for a free, confidential consultation with Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer Marni Jo Snyder, or submit your case online for a prompt response.
