Summerville Student Defense Lawyer

Most schools and universities have a code of conduct students are expected to follow. When a student is alleged to have violated that code of conduct, or a state law, many colleges and universities will attempt to punish students for this alleged misconduct. When you face allegations of code of conduct violations at your college or university, it is critical that you protect your rights. You could face suspension, expulsion, or other marks on your permanent record if you do not defend yourself.

A Summerville student defense lawyer can defend your case and protect your rights. Your academic career should not be ruined by an undefended allegation. Let a knowledgeable defense attorney help you prepare and fight your case.

Allegations of Criminal Misconduct

When a college or university student faces accusations of criminal misconduct, they not only face criminal ramifications through the legal system but they may also face disciplinary proceedings by the university. Colleges typically include in the honor code or other disciplinary document that the violation of certain types of criminal laws are a breach of the school’s rules.

This is especially true with drug and alcohol related offenses, such as:

• Possession of fake ID
• Possession or consumption of alcohol under 21
• Disorderly conduct
• Possession of drugs
• Possession of alcohol in a “dry” residence
• Open containers
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Manufacture, distribution, or trafficking in drugs
• Providing drugs or alcohol to underage individuals

Colleges tend to take drug and alcohol charges very seriously. All too often, these schools react to the news of a criminal charge and take action before the case is even thoroughly investigated. Criminal charges can be dropped or found unproven, yet an overzealous university may attempt to punish the student anyway.

Title IX Student Defense

When a student faces allegations of sexual discrimination, the school’s Title IX office will get involved. Sexual discrimination involves more than discriminating against a person based on sex, but also includes sex related crimes. These include, but are not limited to:

• Sexual assault
• Rape
• Statutory rape
• Date rape
• Prostitution
• Criminal sexual conduct

When a student faces these types of allegations, not only will they likely face criminal charges by the prosecutor, but it is likely that the college or university will seek to file Title IX charges against the students as well.

Navigating the complexities of the Title IX system is incredibly difficult, especially without an attorney. An attorney well-versed in student defense work knows how to defend your criminal case and can represent you in your student discipline hearings as well.

Academic Misconduct Allegations

Students may also face allegations of academic misconduct. While this is rarely a state crime, it can be a major violation of the school’s ethics policy. Academic misconduct may include:

• Plagiarism
• Utilizing “cheat sheets” during a test
• Submitting another’s work under own name
• Communicating answers during an exam
• Use of electronic devices not authorized during a test
• Taking an exam for another person or having another person take the exam for the student
• Fabricating data or information in a report or assignment
• Unacceptable collaboration

Universities tend to have a specific review process to determine if academic misconduct occurred, and what punishment to hand out. A skilled student defense attorney can work to protect your academic future.

Consult a Student Defense Attorney in Summerville Today

When you face allegations of a crime or academic misconduct while a college or university student, you need to defend yourself against these allegations. Failure to defend your case may result in unfair or overburdensome penalties against you. These penalties can affect the rest of your life, even after your schooling is completed.

An experienced Summerville student defense lawyer can help you defend your case. Contact us today.