Colleges and universities have a code of conduct all of their students must adhere to at all times. Violating the student code of conduct can result in harsh disciplinary action. The repercussions of a violation can affect you in both the immediate future and in the long term.
If you have been notified of a code of conduct violation, it is best to speak with a skilled Fullerton student defense lawyer. Your education and future are in jeopardy, so it is essential to have an aggressive legal advocate on your side to help you defend your rights and protect your best interests.
Student Code of Conduct Violations
A school’s student code of conduct lays out numerous strict policies and procedures all students must adhere to. When you do not follow these policies and procedures, you are in violation of the code of conduct. Violations may include academic dishonesty, misuse of school facilities, plagiarism, fire safety violations, and vandalism. These violations may also include more severe offenses and involve drug and alcohol violations, harassment, hazing, hate crimes, and theft.
Depending on the nature and extent of the alleged violation, criminal charges may be brought against you as well. An experienced attorney in Fullerton could help you prepare for disciplinary hearings as well as the criminal justice process if you need help defending yourself against student code of conduct violations.
What is Hazing?
Hazing is not only a serious infraction of your school’s code of conduct; it is also a criminal offense. California Penal Code 245.6 PC makes it illegal to engage in initiation activities that may result in serious bodily injury to a student. No injury has to result for hazing to have taken place. Penalties for a criminal conviction include up to one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000.
Disciplinary Actions for Code of Conduct Violations
Student code of conduct violations are substantially different than criminal charges. The repercussions of a violation are serious and carry harsh long-term consequences. If you are found to have violated your school’s code of conduct, disciplinary actions may include:
- Fines and restitution
- Removal from sports teams
- Removal from student housing
- Revocation of scholarships
- Mandatory substance abuse testing
- Loss of financial aid
- Registration holds
- Suspension
- Expulsion
If you are found guilty in a criminal case, penalties may include steep fines, jail time, probation, and a permanent criminal record. A lawyer in Fullerton could work hard to prepare a defense that allows a student to minimize the potential penalties they may be facing.
The Involvement of a Student Discipline Defense Attorney in Fullerton
Some schools do not allow an attorney to be present during a student disciplinary hearing. If your school does not allow your attorney to attend, they can still provide invaluable assistance.
Our skilled student defense attorneys in Fullerton have extensive experience with college code of conduct violation proceedings. We understand how these violation hearings transpire and could provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively plead your case to the board. Our team could assist you by:
- Thoroughly investigating the alleged violation and researching the educational institution’s policies and procedures
- Assisting in obtaining and presenting evidence supporting your defense
- Explaining the Student Code of Conduct violation process to you and your family
- Explaining your rights, options, and all possible outcomes
- Preparing you for questions you may be required to answer during the disciplinary hearing
- Assisting you with the preparation of your statement for the hearing
- If necessary, assisting in witness preparation
Contact a Leading Fullerton Student Defense Attorney
Our legal team at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry understands the hard work and commitment required to get you where you are. We are dedicated to helping you fight the allegations against you so you may continue your educational path. If you have been accused of violating your school’s code of conduct, contact one of our skilled Fullerton student defense lawyers right away.
Scott D. Henry and his legal team have over 40 years of combined student and juvenile defense experience. Our lawyers have a thorough understanding of the student discipline process. We could thoroughly prepare you for a student violation hearing while also providing support to you and your family throughout the entire process.