Akron Disciplinary Hearing Attorney

Defending College Students in Disciplinary Hearings Across Ohio

When a college student is accused of an offense, they may have to attend a disciplinary hearing. If the student is found guilty during the hearing, he or she may be suspended or expelled. This will negatively affect the student's abilities to attend another college or even obtain a job. To avoid these negative implications, it is imperative to obtain assistance from an experienced Akron defense attorney.

How Can My Akron Defense Firm Help You?

While universities usually seek to limit the role of the student's attorney, I can help you with a number of different actions. First, I will review your record and help you prepare defenses. This may include witnesses, various documents, and other types of evidence.

During the hearing, I am usually able to accompany you so that I can make sure that the hearing officers don't take advantage of you. I can also advise you on when to refrain from making statements that may incriminate you. In the event that your hearing does not go as planned, I can also help you appeal to the school's dean or another higher official.

What are the Different Types of Student Misconduct?

Disciplinary hearings may occur for a number of different violations, ranging from non-criminal offenses to criminal allegations. Here are the most common types of offenses:

Cheating: if a student is suspected to have plagiarized or copied another student's work, then that student may be accused of violating academic integrity and professional conduct. If you were accused of cheating in college, then you will want to get a lawyer to help you prove your innocence as expulsion is a possibility.

Hazing: when students are initiated into a group, they are often coerced into certain activities by older members of the group. In Ohio, certain types of hazing are illegal if they create substantial risks. If you have been caught hazing another student, then you could be held responsible for any damages that were caused and punished by the school.

Sexual Assault: while attending parties and other various social activities, students are often accused of inappropriate sexual behavior ranging from unwanted touching to rape. This type of offense often has repercussions from both the school and the government.

Other types of student misconduct include bullying, theft, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse.

What are Potential Penalties for Student Misconduct?

If you are found responsible for a certain violation of school policy or a criminal offense, then there are a number of punishments you are in danger of receiving. The most serious penalty is expulsion, which is permanent removal. You may also be suspended, which is removal for an allotted time period. The school may also put you on probation and require that you provide restitution.

In addition, you may receive a warning, reprimand, or admonition, which would go on your record and may require that you complete some sort of counseling or rehabilitative course. These may be considered in any future disciplinary hearings.

Lawyer for Ohio College Students

Don't risk your future by attempting to handle your student disciplinary hearing alone. If you or your student has been accused of student misconduct, then please do not hesitate to contact my firm. As an Akron student's rights lawyer, I am well-equipped to handle your case, whether it is for a disciplinary hearing or a criminal offense.

If you are a student of a university, college, or trade school in Akron, Cleveland, the surrounding areas, or the rest of the United States, contact me immediately. I offer a free initial consultation to every client who wants to know more about what I can do for them.