What Happens When You’re Arrested on a Texas Campus?

Getting arrested is scary no matter where it happens. But when it happens on a college campus where you’re supposed to be building your future, the stakes can feel even higher. Suddenly you’re not just worried about fines or jail, but also your education, your career plans, and even your immigration status if you’re an international student.

If you or someone you care about gets arrested on a Texas campus, understanding the process and how to protect yourself is critical.

Understanding Campus Police Power

A lot of students think campus police are somehow “less serious” than real officers, but they aren’t.

In Texas, campus police officers (at universities like UT Austin, Texas A&M, etc.) are licensed peace officers. Under Texas Education Code § 51.203, they have the same authority as city or state police including the right to detain you, arrest you, and charge you with a crime.

And if a school doesn’t have its own police force, city or county law enforcement takes over. Either way, you’re dealing with real consequences from the moment you’re stopped.

What Leads to Arrests on Campus?

Arrests can happen for a long list of reasons, but the most common on Texas campuses are:

• Underage drinking and possession of alcohol (MIP)
• Public intoxication
• Drug possession (including small amounts of marijuana)
• Assault (often from fights or altercations)
• Theft or shoplifting
• Trespassing or breaking into restricted areas
• Sexual misconduct allegations

It’s not just “serious criminals” who get arrested; it’s often regular students who made a mistake, lost their temper, or simply found themselves in unfortunate situation.

What Actually Happens During A Texas Campus Arrest?

Let’s walk through it the way it usually unfolds.

The Encounter

It often starts small: an officer stops you after an incident or based on suspicion. They may ask questions, search you (if they have probable cause), or issue commands.

• You must provide your name and ID
• You do not have to answer other questions

Always stay calm and polite, even if you feel the stop is unfair. Arguing only makes things worse.

The Arrest

If the officer believes they have enough evidence (probable cause), they will arrest you.
This usually means:

• Being handcuffed
• Hearing your Miranda rights
• Getting transported to jail or a detention facility

At this point, the criminal process is officially underway.

Booking and Jail

At the jail, you’ll be:

• Searched again
• Photographed (mugshot) and fingerprinted
• Asked basic identifying questions

You’ll also be formally charged based on the alleged offense. This is usually when reality hits: you’re facing real legal action, not a warning or a fine.

Seeing the Magistrate

Within 48 hours, you must see a judge (called “magistration” in Texas). The judge will:

• Tell you what you’re charged with
• Set bail (the amount you must pay to be released)
• Explain your rights

If bail is affordable, you or your family can pay it, or you can hire a bail bondsman (for a fee, usually 10–20%). If you can’t post bail, you might stay in custody until your case is resolved — a situation you want to avoid if at all possible.

What Comes Next After a Campus Arrest?

Most people assume the criminal case is the only thing to worry about. However, in Texas, getting arrested on campus usually triggers two separate but equally important processes:

1. The Criminal Case

You’ll have to go through criminal court.
That includes:

• Arraignment (entering a plea)
• Pretrial hearings (negotiating, filing motions)
• Trial (if you don’t plead guilty)
• Sentencing (if convicted)

Depending on the charge, you could be facing:

• Fines
• Probation
• Court-ordered classes (like alcohol education)
• Community service
• Jail time

First-time offenders sometimes qualify for diversion programs that can help avoid a conviction, but you must act quickly and strategically with your lawyer.

2. The University Disciplinary Process

Separately, your school will likely start its own investigation under its Student Code of Conduct.

University consequences can include:

• Probation
• Loss of campus housing
• Suspension
• Expulsion
• Loss of scholarships or financial aid

Even if you win your criminal case, the university can still punish you based on their own rules, which have a lower standard of proof (“preponderance of evidence”).

You may be allowed to have a lawyer as an advisor during school hearings, but these proceedings are very different from criminal court, and you need to prepare carefully.

Protect Yourself After a Campus Arrest

Here’s what smart students (and parents) should do immediately:

1. Hire a student defense lawyer experienced in both criminal law and school disciplinary procedures.
2. Say as little as possible about the case to anyone, including friends, professors, and especially online.
3. Stay organized: keep all court papers, citations, and emails from the school in one place.
4. Prepare for both the court case and the school hearing.
5. Ask about expungement or non-disclosure options early on.

Arrested? Don’t Plea, Call Me!

Facing an arrest on campus can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Every decision you make after an arrest — from what you say to who you call—can shape your future. Whether you’re dealing with criminal charges, a university disciplinary hearing, or both, getting experienced legal guidance right away can make all the difference.

At Texas Criminal Defense Group, we understand the stakes: your education, your career, and your freedom. Our team has extensive experience defending students across Texas against both criminal charges and campus disciplinary actions. We’re here to protect your rights, fight for your record, and help you move forward the right way.