When a student is accused of academic misconduct, the stakes are incredibly high. When that student is you or your child, it becomes all too real a problem. Students can face many different challenges throughout their college careers, including into post-graduate work such as medical school. Whatever the academic issue you face, you need competent and highly experienced representation to protect your reputation, your academic standing, and your future.
If you or your child is facing allegations of academic misconduct, experienced academic misconduct defense attorney Joseph D. Lento is here to help. You do not have to go through this difficult process on your own.
Types of Academic Misconduct
Allegations of academic misconduct can come in many forms, but in nearly every case the penalties can be severe. These penalties include probation, suspension, or even expulsion from your college or medical school. This can also prevent you from being able to go to another school, or even find future employment.
Some examples of academic misconduct include:
- Plagiarism
- Self-Plagiarism
- Blackmail
- Bribery
- Cheating
- Classroom Disruption
- Collusion
- Deceitful educational software
- Dishonesty
- Fabrication/Falsification
- False Accusation of Cheating
- Failing to Report Violations
- Failing to Safeguard Work
- Forgery
- Impersonation
- Obtaining Advanced Information
- Online cheating
- Reusing Assignments or Exams
- Sabotage
- Unauthorized Collaboration
- Unauthorized Assistance
- Violating Testing Conditions
These examples demonstrate the minefield in which a student can find him or herself when facing accusations of academic misconduct. With the right legal defense, you can protect your rights.
Consequences for College Students
For those college or university students accused of academic misconduct, the consequences can be very serious. Students can face multiple different sanctions, including, but not limited to:
- probation,
- suspension,
- expulsion,
- loss of internship opportunity,
- reduced employment opportunity,
- clearance checks with government positions,
- employers hold academic dishonesty charges against a student found responsible,
- loss of academic honors
- loss of scholarships (both academic and sports)
The significant risks associated with students and academic misconduct can add up quickly. What was before a very successful academic career can quickly derail into major negative impacts on your current life and your entire future.
Medical Students/Residents
Medical students face unique academic challenges. Medical school is highly competitive, and cheating and other ways to "get ahead" occur frequently. If a medical student is accused of academic misconduct, it is crucial that that student defend him or herself. Medical school is expensive, and you should not be forced out of school on a false accusation or a simple mistake.
Medical students are also expected to maintain a high level of professionalism in representing their schools. As such, behavior of which the school does not approve can land you in hot water. In many of these cases, the school's disciplinary board is overzealous, and your rights can be defended.
Nursing Students
Similar to medical students, those who are pursuing an advanced nursing degree such as a nurse practitioner, CRNA, or a nurse who is obtaining his or her master's degree face very high competition in school and the field after school. Those accused of academic misconduct may find themselves unable to get a job, or maybe even unable to obtain the proper licensure needed to work in the field.
Future and Present Law Students
Accusations of academic misconduct either in undergraduate or during law school can prevent admission either into law school or into the Bar when you are ready to become a licensed attorney. If academic misconduct occurred in your undergraduate studies, it may be difficult to get into law school. Law school is competitive, and most schools do not look kindly on convictions for academic misconduct. With a strong defense, you can protect your record now, to protect your future forever.
If academic misconduct is alleged during law school, the Bar will seek a "review" letter from the Dean of the law school. The Board of Bar Examiners looks very unkindly on academic dishonesty and considers it an indication of trustworthiness in the field of law. Many students with this type of misconduct on their record are surprised after they graduate law school, pass the Bar exam, and still are excluded from licensure by the Board of Bar Examiners due to ethical considerations. The best way to prevent this is to present a strong defense to these accusations when they occur.
Business Students
For students attending business school, possibly going for their MBA, academic dishonesty can exclude you from these graduate programs. When they occur during your graduate studies, this will not look good on your permanent record and can affect your potential future employment. Business school is tough and often expensive. Academic misconduct allegations can result in your expulsion, suspension, or other sanctions that can cost you additional money, or limit your earning potential after business school.
ROTC Students
For those students involved in ROTC, academic misconduct is not tolerated. The military expects the highest level of ethics, and violations can result in a breach of the government contract. This can result in removal from ROTC, and even the possibility that you will have to serve in the military as an enlisted, or payback academic scholarships already given to you. The best way to prevent these possibilities is to present a strong defense against any case of academic misconduct.
International Students
For international students, allegations of academic misconduct can lead to very serious consequences. If you are suspended, you could lose your Visa and be required to return to your home country. Depending on the circumstances of your case, it could be many years before you are allowed to return to the United States, if at all. There are different educations expectations and standards from country to county, but academic dishonesty allegations can follow you throughout your life.
Consult a National Academic Misconduct Attorney
When school professors or administrators make a mistake, they may not be willing to admit they did something wrong. Students may need to take action to protect their rights, ensure due process, and challenge any unfair results. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has a firm understanding of the consequences and has helped countless students with such concerns. Contact attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 today for help.
