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Do I need a college defense lawyer for a school disciplinary hearing?

On Behalf of | Jan 11, 2018

If you are reading this, chances are you already know what a college disciplinary hearing is. You have been charged with academic misconduct and are facing a panel of school staff and peers. So, I will cut right to the point, yes, you should absolutely bring a lawyer to a college disciplinary hearing. Keep reading and I will give you an idea of what you will be facing and why a lawyer for college students is important.

What is a college disciplinary hearing?

A college disciplinary hearing is nothing like a legal proceeding that you see on tv. There is a panel of decision makers consisting or school staff and students. The laws of evidence and procedure don’t matter here, the rules that the school has outlined apply. It can be an overwhelming situation and a student who is unfamiliar with the process could accidently make this bad situation even worse. The purpose of the hearing is to determine the innocence or guilt of the student, and if guilty, assign the sanction or discipline the student will receive – which includes the possibility of suspension or expulsion.

Why do I need a college disciplinary defense lawyer?

Colleges often bring charges against students with little or no evidence. The case against a student is built on speculation and weak evidence. This does not stop the college from moving forward. However, even if you are caught red handed, a lawyer can help minimize the impact of charges and push for a lower punishment.Additionally, schools may make students attend meetings or a hearing with short notice and won’t provide the student with the evidence they are entitled to. There are procedures and preliminary steps that schools may not make students aware of. These critical first steps are key to building the best possible defense. That is why I not only strongly recommend using a college disciplinary defense lawyer for the hearing, but getting them involved at the earliest possible point, which is normally the charging letter/email/document.

The academic disciplinary hearing

At the disciplinary hearing, students can present their evidence and question those bringing charges against them. This may include questioning other students, the professor, and teacher assistants to name a few. Students will also face questions not only from those bringing charges against them, but can also be questioned by the hearing panel. This can turn combative and students may feel ganged up on. Having a lawyer present for the college student can keep the school honest and prevent a hostile situation from happening.

My school offers students advisers – are they good?

I help students all over the US, so they do not have to face the college discipline process alone, or even worse, with an unskilled adviser. While the student process is not a legal proceeding, the training and skills a lawyer brings is invaluable. I have seen schools ignore their own process and rules. A college disciplinary lawyer makes sure the process is fair and correct. Student advisers are not trained to spot for issues or compose arguments like a lawyer. Advisers are also in an awkward position from the beginning, they are provided by the school. So how helpful or strong of an advocate will they really be? Are they truly on your side? I do not recommend using any school advisers, and especially advisers without a legal background.

Can you help all college students?

Yes. I advise students all over the country in college disciplinary hearings. By working together to craft the best defense possible, you will be given the greatest chance at success. I also attend hearings as a legal adviser with students to support them during this very stressful event. The presence of a defense lawyer for college students will help the student keep calm and keep the hearing fair and honest.Give me a call today. I offer free consultations and fair prices to help students keep their record clean and stop a suspension or expulsion from school. 855-338-5299 Richard Asselta is an award-winning education lawyer offering student advising services nationally. Call today for a free consultation and see how The Education Lawyers will fight for you. Click hereto read what clients are saying about Richard Asselta on AVVO, a lawyer review website.