Stafford County Student Defense Lawyer
Universities and colleges today have disciplinary systems that resemble the criminal justice system. If you are accused of violating a school policy, you could find yourself before a school review board or disciplinary committee. It’s important not to take these charges too lightly. Student disciplinary charges can result in reprimands, suspensions, even referral to criminal courts.
A Stafford County student defense lawyer can help you fight disciplinary charges and understand your rights in student court and in criminal proceedings if the charges should extend that far. Contact the local defense attorneys at Price Benowitz today for a free case evaluation as soon as possible if you are notified of a pending charge.
Why Do You Need a Student Defense Lawyer?
Academic conduct charges often involve allegations of school code violations. These can include academic charges and honor code violations like plagiarism, cheating, and underage drinking. More serious but non-criminal charges can include:
- Noise violations related to loud parties
- Destruction of school property
- Theft and trespassing on campus
“School hijinks” and “just messing around” may not be criminal charges, but colleges and universities do not take them lightly. You may be entitled to a warning the first time, but the next step may be a disciplinary review.
In an academic review, the burden of proof is usually on the defendant (student) to prove they did nothing wrong. This is the reverse of how proof works in a criminal case, where the prosecutor must prove their case.
You may not receive your constitutional warnings against self-incrimination in a disciplinary review. It’s important that you know this, because if the case is referred to criminal court, any evidence can still be used against you.
You are entitled to legal representation at a student disciplinary review in Stafford County. Having someone there who understands your legal rights and can protect your rights with the review board and in any future criminal proceedings is essential, no matter what charges you face.
Possible Criminal Charges in Student Disciplinary Cases
Although most disciplinary cases focus on code of conduct violations, you may face university disciplinary boards for criminal offenses as well. Campus criminal offenses may include drug possession or sales, sexual assault, DUI/DWI, and aggravated assault or weapons charges.
These cases may come before a disciplinary board if you are arrested off-campus. Law enforcement may notify your college, which must decide if the offense has violated the school’s code of conduct. For serious criminal offenses, defendants could face expulsion and bans on reapplying to the college.
Sexual crimes and crimes of “moral turpitude” can have lasting effects on a student’s career goals. If you’re facing any of these charges, you must have a skilled Stafford County attorney at your side in both the academic and legal hearings to ensure your rights are protected.
Get Legal Help from a Stafford County Student Defense Attorney
Getting hauled in front of a disciplinary board is intimidating, and having to prove you did nothing wrong can feel impossible. If you’re facing student academic charges, you have the right to legal assistance, no matter what the allegations may be.
At Price Benowitz, we will review the school’s academic code and examine the claims being made against you. We will help you develop a defense against those claims, and assist you to the maximum your school allows. If the case is referred to criminal court, our Stafford County student defense lawyers will be at your side throughout the entire process. Call our offices today for a free case evaluation.
Do not send us confidential information related to you or your company until you speak with one of our attorneys and get authorization to send that information to us.