When you attend college, you must abide by the Code of Student Conduct at your school. For example, if you know anything about the founder of Facebook, you’ll know that he had to attend conduct hearings at Harvard. Other students said he stole the idea of Facebook, and he had to attend a hearing.
Attending college means that you will abide by your institution’s moral and ethical code of conduct. You can’t plagiarize other students, commit criminal activities, or other negative things. This code of conduct is meant to make college a positive and safe place for students. So, what happens when you find yourself facing a conduct hearing. As a student, do you even need legal representation? What are the first steps you should take?
Remington & Dixon, PLLC is a law firm experienced in handling university conduct hearing cases. You could face disciplinary action or expulsion as the result of your hearing. So, you could find that your academic career is in jeopardy. In most cases, expulsion in the middle of a term will forfeit your grades. So, you’ll have wasted your time and money for that semester. It can also be difficult to transfer schools because of the outcome of the hearing. You need an experienced attorney that can advise you of your rights and protect your reputation. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
We look forward to going over your options.
When should I hire an attorney?
Any student in North Carolina has the right to legal counsel throughout student conduct hearings. If you’re facing an investigation at your school, you should seek out an attorney immediately. We know that your investigation could permanently change the course of your life. These cases are generally sensitive in nature, and the ruling could affect you socially, academically, and professionally.
What are some reasons for a hearing?
If you plead guilty to criminal activity, you could find yourself in a university conduct hearing. Depending on the crime, you could be expelled from school. Some of the most common crimes that students get hearings for include:
- Minor in possession of alcohol
- Disorderly conduct
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of any drug with intent to sell
- DWI
- DWI under 21
- Possession of a fake ID
- Assault
- Rape
- Sexual assault
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction?
Legally, it depends on the type of crime. Misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies, but the consequences are similar to both. You could face some jail time or probation. Then, you could also have a fine to pay. Being a student makes a criminal conviction a bit more complicated.
Receiving a felony conviction will make it almost impossible to get certain jobs. Many careers require professional licensing that you won’t be able to obtain because of a felony. Your college might also suspend you or expel you. Having a criminal charge while you’re in school could negatively affect the rest of your life. If you are facing criminal charges, you need to speak to an attorney today. Our legal team is skilled in handling criminal cases as well as university conduct hearings. Contact us today to discuss your legal options.
How does a university conduct hearing work?
Each school is a little bit different in their proceedings, but they all have some similarities. During the hearing, there will be introductions and opening statements from both sides. The board will ask questions about the incident. Then, there is the testimony and questioning of witnesses. Finally, there are closing statements from both sides. The board will go over the evidence in the hearing and determine if the party is guilty and if sanctions are necessary.
Hire a competent university conduct hearing lawyer today
If you are a student in college, the thought of going to a hearing at your university can be overwhelming. Facing criminal charges are terrifying enough by themselves, without having to worry about your academic future. Your whole life could change because of one bad decision, and we’re here to represent you.
Give yourself the best odds possible in your hearing by hiring an attorney. A Charlotte criminal defense attorney can protect your reputation while handling your case, ensuring that you get the best outcome possible. If you face potential expulsion from your college because of criminal activity or other actions, you need to contact us today. Schedule your consultation, so we can begin to build your defense.
