Every school, college, and the university has its own set of codes of conduct and rules that every student must abide by. If any student breaks these rules and violates the code of conduct it is termed “Academic Misconduct”. There are various kinds of academic misconduct like cheating on a test, plagiarism, bullying, causing disruption in the classroom, theft, vandalism, underage drinking, drug possession or use, etc. More severe academic misconduct cases include violating Title IX sexual harassment and discrimination laws. The seriousness of the charges will determine whether there will be just disciplinary action taken against them or if will there be a risk of prison time, heavy fines, and the life-long stigma of a felony charge. In any of these cases, it is important to hire a good academic misconduct lawyer.
Ways an academic misconduct lawyer can help you:-
- Correct guidance: Academic misconduct lawyers are experts in their field of law as they have specialized in the subject. They have also handled similar cases in the past which has added to their experience in similar cases and how to handle them. This gives them an added advantage to provide you with the right guidance on how to go about the case. They help you in making rational decisions and give you a realistic view of the case. These lawyers will help you look at the strong positive points as well as the weak points to prepare a more strong defense case.
- Prepare opening and closing statements: Academic misconduct cases are usually decided by calling a disciplinary hearing by the educational institute and its honor hearing board. Such disciplinary hearings must have a strong opening and closing statement by the accused student. This ensures a clear and convincing defense presentation that will help the student come out of the allegations. A good academic misconduct lawyer will help prepare your opening and closing statements for you.
- Help prepare for the hearing: A good academic misconduct lawyer will help the accused prepare for the hearing in front of the hearing board or panel. They will help the student prepare for probable questions that the panel might ask and how to answer them. This will help in a favorable outcome of the case.
Academic misconduct and its consequences are a part of education law which can be quite complicated. If charged with such an accusation, it is important to seek legal help without taking the matter into your own hands. Any minor mistake can hamper your whole future. Therefore, it is wise to hire a reputed academic misconduct lawyer to help you with a favorable resolution.
