08/24/2026
Check out this piece written by my staff: 10 Things Every Rutgers Student Needs Before Move-In (That Have Nothing to Do With Textbooks)
Many college checklists you see on social media include helpful tips covering room decorating and choosing between meal plans. Starting your first semester in the Rutgers dorms (or moving into your off-campus house) is an exciting milestone for families. To best prepare yourself (or your child) for fall move-in, here are ten things we want every student to know before their first Friday night back “On the Banks”.
1. A Clear “What to Say to Police” Game Plan
Many students start college without any prior interactions with law enforcement. Given the new environment, it is common for students to have interactions with campus and local police at social gatherings and other events. It matters that students know what to say if they are questioned by police. The right answers to any police questioning are: name and “I’d like to speak to an attorney”. The only information you are required to give to police is your name/identification. Aside from that, you should politely decline to answer any questions and do not consent to any searches before speaking to an attorney unless served with a valid warrant.
2. Know the Difference Between RUPD and Local Police
Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) have jurisdiction over the five campuses of Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Any criminal, traffic, or campus safety matter on campus is automatically handled by RUPD. However, any criminal or traffic matter off campus is handled by local police departments, including New Brunswick PD and Piscataway PD, depending on the campus. An important thing to note is that just because Rutgers Police respond to an incident does not mean that the matter is handled through the school alone. Any criminal charges or moving violations filed are handled at the municipal or Middlesex County Superior Courts.
3. A Saved Contact for a Local Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or your student are ever questioned, detained, or charged, acting fast is extremely important. Having EBM Law saved in your phone guarantees that a local criminal defense attorney experienced in representing Rutgers students is ready to act proactively and efficiently on your behalf. Rather than scrambling through Google at 2AM, copy and save our office number: (732) 249-9933. If it’s a late night emergency or on the weekends, our office line goes directly to the attorney’s cellphone to assist clients.
4. Understanding the Difference Between Crimes and Campus Rule Violations
A Rutgers Student Conduct violation (ex: a write-up from an RA) is different from a criminal complaint referred to the court system. Student conduct violations are handled by the Rutgers Office of Student Conduct. Any violation that breaks both student conduct rules and state law, including underage drinking, open containers, simple assault, and drug/paraphernalia possession can be referred for court proceedings. Students need to know which situations can follow them onto a permanent criminal record.
5. A Realistic Talk About Fake IDs and Underage Drinking Laws
Fake IDs and underage drinking may appear to many students as “normal” aspects of the college experience. However, if police observe you or your student carrying a fake ID or underage drinking, it can result in serious charges. Selling Fake IDs is treated even more harshly under state law, as it constitutes a second-degree indictable offense that can result in state prison time. These are not scare tactics; police can and will act on these “common” occurrences.
6. Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney Documents
Once students turn 18, parents/guardians lose the legal right to make financial or healthcare decisions on their behalf – or even to get information from a hospital or courthouse due to privacy laws. A simple healthcare proxy and power of attorney, drafted before your student leaves, means that you can act on their behalf under unforeseen circumstances. Our offices can help you find legal professionals skilled in drafting these important documents.
7. What New Jersey’s Hazing Law Covers
If you or your student plans on rushing a fraternity or sorority, it is important to know that New Jersey significantly toughened its hazing statute following the 2017 hazing death of Penn State student Timothy Piazza. Students do not have to plan hazing to be charged. Any student organizing, participating in, or being present for hazing that risks harm can face criminal charges, up to third-degree indictable offenses, when serious injury or death results. It is also important to understand that unrecognized Greek organizations are uninsured and unsupervised by the University, and can carry higher exposure for hazing, alcohol, and other liability issues. Members of unrecognized organizations can face both criminal charges and university discipline without any institutional support behind them. Lists of recognized and unrecognized Greek organizations at Rutgers can be found at https://greeklife.rutgers.edu/.
8. A Copy of Their Own Record Before There’s a Reason to Check
If you or your student has any prior contact with police, including juvenile matters, diversion programs and expunged charges, you should know exactly what is on file before college starts. Previous records occasionally resurface when applying for graduate schools, jobs, or internships requiring background checks, especially in fields including law, medicine, finance, and nursing. If you have priors, contact our offices to determine whether or not you are eligible for expungement.
9. Title IX and Student Conduct Cases Run on a Different Track Than Criminal Court – and Can Move Faster
Allegations of misconduct, especially in dating relationships, made to Rutgers (harassment, code of conduct, academic integrity, etc.) can result in serious University disciplinary consequences. These matters have their own Rutgers-specific investigators, timelines, and standard of proof, and can proceed even if criminal charges are never filed. Students are entitled to an advisor in Title IX and Office of Student Conduct proceedings, and that advisor can be a private attorney. Because a conduct finding can mean suspension or expulsion, students facing a Title IX complaint or conduct referral should contact an attorney right away to get advice before their first interview, not after.
10. A Local Attorney Who Actually Appears in Courts Near Campus
Not every criminal defense attorney regularly appears in New Brunswick and Piscataway Municipal Courts, or the other courts near Rutgers’ campuses. Familiarity with these courts and knowledge of how a particular court handles student cases can make a significant difference in a case’s outcome. A family’s hometown attorney from North or South Jersey isn’t always the right fit for a municipal or Superior Court matter here in Middlesex County. EBM Law regularly appears in Middlesex County Superior and municipal courts, and is readily available to provide you or your student with a proactive defense. Contact our offices at (732) 249-9933 for a complimentary consultation.
