College discipline offers only rudimentary protections for the accused, which is different from usual court trials. Disciplinary hearings arise as a result of an academic issue (such as plagiarism or cheating) or as a result of a student being accused of other on-campus misbehavior (such as underage drinking or other violations of the student code of conduct). The most severe reason might be because of Title IX allegations, including sexual harassment, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, or might also arise because of being charged for some felony.
Because student disciplinary hearings have their own set of regulations, being prepared for the hearing might help you get on the good side again. An academic misconduct attorney will make it easier to prepare yourself for the hearing.
How to prepare for a campus disciplinary hearing?
Every college or university has its own set of conduct that lays down specific rules and regulations for the students. The usual process for misconduct usually goes as follows:
- A violation gets reported, and the college authorities start looking into it.
- The process of investigation starts.
- University authorities contact the accused.
- Meeting with a university representative.
- Resolution by an administrative hearing.
- Imposition of punishment.
- Appeal.
You should prepare yourself in the following ways for a disciplinary hearing:
- Being through with your school’s code of conduct.
- Gathering potential evidence- messages, photographs, emails.
- Draw up a list of questions that you may have about the code of conduct and violation process.
- Find out the essential details that you want to convey to your audience about the charges.
- Consider the possibilities of the questions that you might get asked about.
- Attend all the meetings and be punctual.
If your college authorities arrive at a decision where you are proven to have violated the code of conduct, you might face severe penalties. Some universities may impose sanctions which range from a reprimand, probation, suspension, and even dismissal for breaking the code of conduct. If your institution even reprimands you, it will get complicated for you to apply for graduation.
Even if the allegations are non-criminal, it is vital to appoint a student defense attorney who can assist with the entire process and help you prove your innocence if that is the case. Your lawyer can provide you with a robust legal foothold and help you gather evidence, question witnesses, prepare for the hearings and help you with the process. You can protect your rights and your future by choosing a lawyer that is the right one for you.
