Colleges in Montana all have their own codes of conduct, which dictate what can and cannot be done on campus and by their students. Breaking your school's code can lead to a disciplinary violation which can saddle your academic record with a blemish that can make it more difficult to get a job after you graduate. Hiring a lawyer to be your advisor throughout the disciplinary procedure can make a huge difference in the outcome because it shows your school that you are taking your future seriously and will vigorously defend against the allegations against you.
Common Disciplinary Violations in Montana
Even though every school's code of conduct is different, that does not mean that there are no similarities between them. In fact, most of the substance is shockingly similar, leading to several types of disciplinary violation that are more common than others.
Underage Drinking on Campus
Perhaps the most common disciplinary violation in a Montana college is underage drinking. An outsized portion of a college's code of conduct deals with the offense, largely because it is so prevalent and universities are now taking strict action to deal with it. Just because it is common, though, does not mean that an allegation of underage drinking is trivial – the legal drinking age in Montana is still 21 years old, so underage drinking can still be prosecuted as a crime.
Hazing
Another aspect of college that is heavily dealt with in most codes of conduct is hazing. If you are involved in or helped to organize any initiation event that includes excessively demeaning or dangerous activities, you can face disciplinary action.
Academic Misconduct
One of the most severe accusations that you can face in college is a charge of academic misconduct. Whether it is for cheating on a test, plagiarizing a paper, or falsifying official school documents, a disciplinary violation for academic misconduct can lead to serious penalties in school – you can even be expelled – and put a bad mark on your academic record.
Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Violations
Another serious disciplinary violation that is also shockingly common to face is for sexual misconduct. Students in Montana who are accused of sexually assaulting, harassing, stalking, or raping someone else – whether on campus or off of it – can face disciplinary action from their school. Worse, Title IX can get implicated, pressuring schools to prosecute the allegation vigorously or risk losing their federal aid. The penalties you can face are severe.
Montana's Disciplinary Violation Advisor Joseph D. Lento
Joseph D. Lento is a student discipline defense attorney who can serve as your advisor if you have been accused of a disciplinary violation in Montana. With his knowledge, input, and help, you can fight against the accusation that you have violated your school's code of conduct, preserving your interests and protecting your future by keeping your record as clean as possible.
Contact him online or by phone at 888-535-3686 if you have been accused of a disciplinary violation and want the help you need to protect your future.
Montana colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your student's disciplinary violation advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- Blackfeet Community College
- Carroll College
- Chief Dull Knife College
- Dawson Community College
- Flathead Valley Community College
- Fort Belknap College
- Fort Peck Community College
- Little Big Horn College
- Miles Community College
- Montana State University
- Montana State University Billings
- Montana State University Great Falls College of Technology
- Montana State University Northern
- Montana Tech of the University of Montana
- Montana Tech College of Technology
- Rocky Mountain College
- Salish Kootenai College
- Stone Child College
- The University of Montana
- The University of Montana Western
- University of Great Falls
- University of Montana Helena College of Technology
College disciplinary violations can impact an accused student's life if not defended against properly and as early as possible during the disciplinary process, and Joseph D. Lento has a decade of experience passionately fighting for the future of his clients at colleges and universities 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 a student advisor and educational consultant to students facing disciplinary cases in Montana and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
