Administrators at colleges and universities tend to take acts of academic misconduct seriously. The Journal of Legal Studies recently referred to acts of academic dishonesty as a form of fraud. Instances of cheating are more widespread than many people realize. The International Center for Academic Integrity suggests that approximately 68% of undergraduate and 43% of graduate students have cheated at some time during their education. The student disciplinary process can often result in harsh penalties that can hinder a student's educational and professional future. Joseph D. Lento is a seasoned attorney who represents clients in matters of student disciplinary defense and can assist with hearings, appeals and more.
Disciplinary Actions Can Have Severe Consequences
Current data shows many clear benefits associated with obtaining a college education. Some of these include:
- An overall increase of approximately 50% in lifetime earnings and benefits
- A much lower rate of unemployment
- Much higher levels of job and career satisfaction
Students faced with the realization that they will be suspended or dismissed from a college or university or otherwise disciplined should consult with legal counsel.
Understanding a Student's Rights
Students are generally afforded some fundamental rights or protections during campus disciplinary matters. Any alleged acts of misconduct should be clearly outlined in writing and include the possible sanctions that could result. The student will be given a chance to defend against any alleged violations and be accompanied by an advisor in any meetings or hearings. The burden of proof that is generally used is that the violations must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence standard.
Should I Appeal These Findings of Academic Misconduct?
Colleges and universities are responsible for internally creating their procedures relating to appeals. One aspect that is fairly consistent is that an appeal must be pursued in a relatively limited period of time. The process usually requires submission of a document that contains your reasoning why the administration's earlier decision should be reconsidered. Having an attorney functioning in an advisory capacity at this phase is critical. This document must be very impactful because it is essentially the last chance for rebutting the decision. Your attorney may also possibly negotiate with the administration to reduce the severity of sanctions or other favorable solutions.
Benefits of Experienced Legal Representation
What are some of the longer term consequences of these types of violations? You may find yourself unable to transfer to another desirable top-tier college and may be denied entrance to professional graduate programs. Even potential future employers may wish to review your records and academic history. As your attorney reviews the prior disciplinary process they may recognize deviations from procedure or instances where your rights were violated. These are types of information that would be clearly emphasized in drafting a document for your appeal.
Attorney for Appealing Violations of Student Academic Misconduct in Florida
Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm has the experience that can only be obtained through extensive practice in the unique area of student disciplinary defense. To appeal a ruling in Florida involving student academic misconduct you must be sure to act quickly; therefore, we encourage you to contact the office at (888) 535-3686 today.
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Regrettably, an academic misconduct finding of responsibility can derail an accused student's academic and professional goals and some students and parents do not recognize this concern until it may be too late. If a student is found responsible for academic misconduct charges, in addition to the short-term consequences such academic and disciplinary sanctions, there will be long-term consequences. Internships, graduate school opportunities, and employment opportunities can all be adversely impacted by a finding of responsibility.
For these reasons and more, it is critical to properly address such concerns as early as possible in the disciplinary process. There are times, however, that it necessary to appeal an adverse outcome, and Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have unparalleled experience passionately fighting for the futures of his clients at universities and colleges in Florida and throughout the nation. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. Joseph Lento is a licensed attorney in New Jersey and New York, is admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in state and federal court if needed when representing clients nationwide, and serves as an academic misconduct advisor to students facing disciplinary cases in Florida and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected at all stages of the academic misconduct disciplinary process, including the appeal stage - Contact National Academic Misconduct Advisor Joseph D. Lento today at 888-535-3686.
