MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT AND PARENT RESOURCES
Criminal Defense Resources
for Mississippi State University
Students and Parents
Clear Information After an Arrest, Citation, or Criminal Charge in Starkville
Steven C. Adams represents clients facing criminal charges in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and surrounding Mississippi communities.
For an MSU student, a criminal allegation may create questions about court dates, bond conditions, driving privileges, school responsibilities, housing, and a separate university conduct process.
This page provides general information to help students and families understand where to begin.
Law Offices of Steven C. Adams, PLLC is an independent law firm and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mississippi State University. This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Criminal court proceedings and Mississippi State University disciplinary proceedings are separate processes.
TWO SEPARATE PROCESSES
A Criminal Case and an MSU Conduct Matter Are Not the Same Thing
A student may be dealing with a criminal case, a university conduct matter, or both. Each process has its own procedures, deadlines, evidence, and possible consequences.
Criminal Court Process
A criminal case may involve an arrest or citation, bond or release conditions, court appearances, evidence review, negotiations, motions, hearings, or trial preparation.
The criminal case proceeds through the appropriate Mississippi court and is governed by Mississippi law and court procedure.
MSU Student Conduct Process
Mississippi State University may separately review alleged conduct under its own student policies. The university process may involve notice of allegations, meetings, evidence review, hearings, restrictions, probation, housing consequences, suspension, or other university action.
Important: An outcome in one process does not necessarily determine what happens in the other.
WHERE TO BEGIN
What to Do After an Arrest, Citation, or Criminal Charge
The immediate next steps often depend on how the matter began and whether the university is also involved.
Start Intake
A criminal case may begin with an arrest, citation, summons, warrant, or investigation.
Keep Every Document
A criminal case may begin with an arrest, citation, summons, warrant, or investigation.
Confirm the Court Date
A criminal case may begin with an arrest, citation, summons, warrant, or investigation.
Follow Every Court Condition
A criminal case may begin with an arrest, citation, summons, warrant, or investigation.
Preserve Relevant Information
A criminal case may begin with an arrest, citation, summons, warrant, or investigation.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Criminal Matters That May Affect College Students
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DUI and alcohol-related charges
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Drug charges
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Misdemeanor charges
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Felony charges
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Assault and violent-crime allegation
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Theft and property crimes
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Weapons charges
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Probation violations
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Citations and summonses
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Other criminal allegations
The legal issues depend on the specific charge, evidence, court, prior history, and circumstances.
A student should not assume that a charge is minor simply because it began with a citation rather than an arrest.
Parents can help gather:
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Arrest or citation paperwork
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Court date and location
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Bond or release documents
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Driver’s-license paperwork
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Any MSU notice
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Relevant photographs or messages
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Basic information about the charge
The student is the person facing the criminal matter and should participate directly in communications with the attorney whenever possible.
Important Note
Paying legal fees does not automatically make a parent the client or give the parent unrestricted access to attorney-client communications.
FOR PARENTS
How Parents Can Help
Parents often become involved quickly after a student is arrested or receives a citation. Helping organize information can make the situation easier to manage.