Being accused of cheating should be taken seriously, whether you are in high school or college. In high school, being found responsible for cheating may have to be disclosed on a college application. In college, you could be suspended or expelled from a university. So, what should you do if a teacher accuses you of cheating? Read on for recommendations from a lawyer for students.
Should I admit to cheating?
The answer to this depends on whether there is evidence besides the teacher just saying they think you cheated. When I say evidence, I mean:
- Does the teacher have any eyewitnesses?
- Are there text messages or emails that show collaboration?
- Does the teacher have any documents that show similarities?
If you answered yes to any of the above, or there is other evidence that supports the cheating accusation, it does not mean you cannot fight the charge or must admit to it .
Should I fight the accusation of cheating?
I always tell clients to weight the consequences of cheating against spending the money to get a lawyer involved to fight the cheating allegation. Even with evidence, an argument can always be made to dispute the academic cheating charge.
What are some consequences of cheating?
Students are accused of cheating all the time. Some students may receive a lighter punishment like a letter of reprimand, detention, or a course in academic integrity. These are the lightest of the punishments schools give for cheating.In comparison, some students may receive an F in an entire course, be suspended from school or even expelled. The more serious consequences of cheating all involve noting a student’s academic record. This must be avoided at all costs. Noting a student’s academic record will show anyone who views their transcripts that they were found responsible for cheating. This will have lasting effects for years to come.
What should you do if a teacher accused you of cheating?
I strongly recommend hiring an experienced lawyer for students to assist in fighting the cheating accusation. By working with students to gather evidence and draft statements to fight academic dishonesty charges, it gives each student the best chance of success.
Can you help all students accused of academic misconduct?
Yes. I work with students all over the country in high school and college to fight academic misconduct charges like cheating. Remember, the academic misconduct process is time sensitive so if you want to fight the charges, you must act fast. Richard Asselta is an award-winning lawyer who defends students against academic dishonesty charges throughout the united states. Call Asselta Law today for a free consultation and start building your defense today. 855-338-5299 Click here to read what clients are saying about Richard Asselta on AVVO, a lawyer review website.