If you or your child have been accused of violating a college or university’s code of conduct, it is best to consult with a Westminster student defense lawyer. These cases are much different than criminal cases. To get the resolution you need, it is essential to hire an attorney with extensive experience handling student and juvenile defense cases.
Our leading criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry know precisely how code of conduct violation hearings are handled by private schools, colleges, and universities. We could guide you through the entire process and fight aggressively to obtain a positive resolution.
When you attend a university, college, or private school, you are typically provided with a copy of the student code of conduct. This is a detailed list of rules and regulations you must adhere to while you attend the institution. These rules and regulations can be more stringent than state law in many cases. If you or your student violates the educational institution’s code of conduct, you could receive a notice to call or report to their Office of Student Conduct.
Many students and parents think this is nothing more than a slap on the wrist. This is typically not the case. Violations can result in the removal from student housing, a prohibition to participate in sports teams, substantial fines and restitution, the revocation of scholarships and loss of financial aid, and even suspension or expulsion from the college or university.
In many cases, these violations can also result in criminal charges. The penalties that may occur from a criminal conviction include substantial fines, jail or prison time, probation, and a permanent criminal record. A skilled attorney in Westminster could help a student build their defense and potentially avoid or minimize these consequences.
Several actions may result in a student code of conduct violation. These actions include but are not limited to:
Our attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry understand that many of these potential violations are unintentional. We could fight tirelessly so your side of the story is heard. Our team could help you may receive a favorable resolution that allows you to move on without any significant consequences.
Probably one of the most common code of conduct violations is underage drinking and other alcohol-related offenses, such as binge drinking or driving under the influence. These violations are serious and can lead to your or your student’s removal from on-campus housing, fines, mandatory counseling, and suspension. Depending on the nature of the violation, criminal charges may also be brought. It is essential to immediately seek experienced legal representation if you or your student have been notified of an alcohol-related violation.
Going through the process of a student code of conduct violation can be challenging and overwhelming. A hearing is typically required to find if the allegation is valid. It is important to note that many institutions do not allow a Westminster defense lawyer to be present during these student violation hearings. While this may be worrisome, an attorney can still provide invaluable information and guidance to prepare for this process. If one of our lawyers is unable to be present at your or your student’s hearing, we could:
If you or your child has received a notification of a student code of conduct violation, we urge you to contact our leading Westminster student defense lawyers right away. These violations are not minor and often result in parallel criminal charges. Our legal team has over 40 years of student and juvenile defense experience and could provide a superior defense strategy during this challenging process. Contact us today for a free consultation. We could fight diligently for your rights and interests to protect your education and future.
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