Piscataway Student Defense Lawyer

Students have the opportunity to grow and mature while going to college, but that development comes with consequences for mistakes. Institutions of higher learning manage the social and academic environment and maintain codes of conduct to do so.

If you or your child face student discipline from a college or university, a Piscataway student defense lawyer can ensure fair treatment. While a disciplinary process is not a criminal prosecution, a dedicated criminal defense attorney can still be critical in defending against the potential consequences.

Disciplinary Issues for Students

Codes of conduct set by universities and colleges govern many aspects of student life, such as student groups, alcohol use, sexual misconduct, and academic violations. Sometimes, however, a separate academic code exists specifically for academic issues like plagiarism and cheating.

A code of conduct may also cover crimes less related to college life but still considered violations of the school’s policies. For example, assault and battery, theft, and property damage could be covered by a specific school’s code, resulting in discipline outside the legal system. Each code of conduct and what it covers will vary from one school to another.

The consequences for a code violation will also vary depending on the alleged violation and the institution. Punishments can range from a warning to probation, loss of student privileges, and expulsion. In very serious cases, a degree could be denied or revoked after graduation.

When a student is accused of one or more violations, a defense attorney in Piscataway can evaluate the code of conduct and help the student understand the potential outcomes.

Disciplinary Process and the Role of an Attorney

When accused of a violation, a student will likely receive notice from the school and have a review scheduled. Sometimes, the school will provide for a hearing before a panel, but sometimes, only a single review officer will be assigned to a case.

The school’s code of conduct will provide for how evidence will be gathered and evaluated and the procedure for a hearing when applicable. Students can usually ask questions of witnesses and argue on their own behalf, but, unlike at a criminal trial, there is no guarantee of legal counsel. A particular school may even forbid anyone from representing a student during a disciplinary process.

Schools can allow a lawyer to assist a student in their defense by providing advice and strategy before a hearing. They may let legal counsel be present during a hearing, even if only the student can participate. An attorney can assist in gathering evidence of the alleged events to establish what happened and bolster the student’s defense.

The skill and knowledge of a Piscataway defense attorney can make a difference for students defending themselves against disciplinary action. Most students do not know how to prepare to answer allegations of violations. In some cases, there may also be an appeals process after an initial decision, and an attorney can also provide crucial expertise at this stage.

Get a Student Defense Attorney in Piscataway on Your Side

Getting notice of disciplinary action can induce anxiety while you deal with academic requirements and social participation, but you do not have to handle these issues alone.

A Piscataway student defense lawyer can work with you or your child, fighting on their behalf and ensuring they are not taken advantage of. Jennifer Marshall has practiced law for over 16 years and is not afraid to stand up for her clients.

Call our offices to schedule your confidential consultation.