Westport Disciplinary Hearings
Upon receiving a report that a student violated a college or university code of conduct, the administration will generally conduct a formal investigation consistent with the procedures outlined in that same code of conduct. At the conclusion of the investigation, the respondent accused of wrongdoing will generally be asked to attend a hearing. A conduct board or department governed by the school’s administrators will determine whether a violation occurred and, if so, what sanctions will be imposed against the respondent as a result.
While there are some commonalities, every institute of higher learning has its own unique procedures for conducting internal disciplinary proceedings. It is important to have the support of a student defense attorney with experience handling Westport disciplinary hearings proactively and effectively. This is especially the case if you stand accused of an offense that could result in your suspension or expulsion from school.
What Rights Do Students Have During Disciplinary Hearings?
Respondents in student conduct cases do not have the same constitutionally guaranteed rights that defendants in criminal cases do. Depending on your school’s unique code of conduct, you may not have the right to refrain from self-incrimination, the right to a standardized trial before a jury of your peers, or the right to remain silent without that silence being held against you.
Likewise, you will not have legal counsel appointed to you free of charge if you cannot afford to retain a private attorney when facing allegations of academic misconduct or unlawful acts at school. Most schools will allow respondents facing disciplinary action to have an advisor accompany them to formal disciplinary hearings and provide guidance outside of those proceedings, which is something our Westport attorneys can do.
Possible Outcomes From Student Conduct Hearings
The variance in disciplinary procedures across different colleges and universities can also extend to the types of punishments someone adjudicated guilty of a conduct violation might face from their school. For certain minor offenses committed by first-time offenders, an unfavorable outcome could result only in minor sanctions, such as receiving a written warning, writing a letter of apology, paying restitution, or attending mandatory counseling.
Conversely, severe conduct violations or those committed by repeat offenders could lead to restricted on-campus privileges, probation, suspension, or even expulsion. A Westport lawyer can go over what outcomes your disciplinary proceeding could have during a private initial consultation.
Call a Westport Attorney To Help You Prepare for a Disciplinary Hearing
You may think that Westport disciplinary hearings are the same as trials in criminal court, but in many ways, the two types of proceedings are very different. Going into a college or university conduct hearing without a full understanding of those differences could quickly lead to an outcome that disrupts your entire academic career.
If you need help protecting your best interests during your upcoming disciplinary hearing, an attorney from Mark Sherman Law could be your ally. Contact us today to set up a meeting. You can see what past clients have said about working with us by visiting our Avvo.com profile here.