Quincy Student Defense Lawyer

Unfortunately, a single mistake or misunderstanding may have serious and long-lasting impact on your education and professional goals. If you are facing a criminal charge or an academic disciplinary charge at your school, you may need the help of an experienced Quincy student defense lawyer.

If found in violation of your school’s student code of conduct, you could face suspension, expulsion, or loss of scholarship. Any criminal offense could result in a criminal record that endangers your future. With so much at stake, now may be the time to call an experienced criminal lawyer.

Understanding Academic Disciplinary Proceedings

When a student faces an accusation of violating their school’s code of conduct, they may have an academic disciplinary hearing. During such a hearing, students must defend themselves with little to no support from the school. College students facing disciplinary charges are often unaware of their rights during the disciplinary process.

They are also often unfamiliar with how the disciplinary process works. Academic disciplinary proceedings are entirely separate from criminal or civil court proceedings. This is true even if a student faces an accusation of something that may constitute a crime.

If a student faces an accusation of sexual assault on campus, they may face an academic disciplinary hearing if their alleged conduct violated the student code of conduct. They may face disciplinary action regardless of whether the police and local prosecutors pursue a criminal case against them. If the student is in violation of the code of conduct, they could face serious penalties up to and including expulsion.

Are There Limitations to Students’ Rights?

In criminal court, all defendants have a constitutional right to a fair trial, to hear all the evidence presented against them, to face their accusers, and to have legal counsel represent them. However, in an academic disciplinary hearing, a student has far fewer rights. For example, a college student facing a disciplinary proceeding for an accusation of sexual assault does not have the right to legal counsel even though they would have that right in a criminal court. In fact, many colleges and universities refuse to allow Quincy student defense lawyers to represent students in any disciplinary hearing.

Seeking Help from a Quincy Student Defense Attorney

Despite limitations imposed by their college or university, any student facing a disciplinary hearing for an alleged student code of conduct violation should still contact a lawyer. A Quincy student defense lawyer could advise the student on their rights and what their school can and cannot do to them. A lawyer could help the student investigate the evidence against them, and then build a defense to take before the hearing board.

If the case goes to criminal court, a Quincy student defense lawyer could then defend the student in court and protect their legal rights in that forum. Regardless of whether a student is facing an academic or criminal charge, an attorney could work hard to help them achieve the best possible outcome.

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