The majority of South Dakota higher education institutions, as well as many colleges across the country, enforce what's known as a “code of conduct.” This code is a compilation of rules and regulations that are intended to maintain a harmonious and safe campus environment. The code at each school will look different, so be sure to check your school's student handbook to understand your school's expectations.
Students who've been accused of violating the rules in this code must undergo a disciplinary proceeding. This proceeding may be conducted in the form of a hearing or another process, depending on your school. Regardless, the ultimate goal is the same at every school: to decide whether or not an accused student is “responsible” for breaking the rules.
It's important that you, as an accused student, understand that a responsible determination for even a minor disciplinary violation can get you in serious trouble. Trouble that can not only derail the progress you've made academically but haunt you down the line in your professional life. With all that is at stake, don't hesitate to seek guidance from an experienced South Dakota student defense attorney. An attorney's presence in your situation will essentially maximize your chances of an equitable process and consequently, a fair result.
Common Code of Conduct Violations
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is deemed one of the most common violations committed by college students. This, in part, is because many accused students may not realize that what they're doing is against school policy. Simply put, academic misconduct is any action that breaches academic integrity. It's a relatively vague definition that leaves room for students to potentially mess up. Cheating on a test, plagiarizing parts of an essay, forging a professor's signature, or merely being complicit while others are committing an academically dishonest act are all examples of academic misconduct.
Alcohol
As most students are aware of (and disregard), underage drinking is against the law. In accordance with this law, nearly all colleges and universities in South Dakota have rules prohibiting alcohol use and possession by students under the legal drinking age of 21. But some schools decide to up the ante by implementing rules that restrict student access to alcohol regardless of age. To understand your school's policy on alcohol, check your school's code of conduct.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is characterized as a student's engagement in behavior that can be perceived as lewd, disruptive, or indecent. For some students, the nature of this conduct is difficult to understand because of its open-ended definition. Public drunkenness, loitering, and acting recklessly in a crowded area are all testaments to how diverse and broad the span of actions that constitute this violation can be.
Hazing
Hazing rituals are still a big part of campus culture despite the perpetual controversy that surrounds greek life. But they may lead to trouble if they get out of hand. If school administrators discover that these rituals have humiliated, degraded, or endangered the safety of participants, those behind initiation procedures will be at risk of being sanctioned.
South Dakota Disciplinary Violation Advisor
The help of an attorney advisor is invaluable in the disciplinary process. National student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento has the skill, experience, and expertise to help you preserve your entitled rights under your school's policy. For a case evaluation or more information about his representation, contact him online or give him a call at 888-535-3686 today.
South Dakota 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:
- Augustana College
- Black Hills State University
- Colorado Technical University Sioux Falls
- Dakota State University
- Dakota Wesleyan University
- Globe University Sioux Falls
- Kilian Community College
- Lake Area Technical Institute
- Mitchell Technical Institute
- Mount Marty College
- National American University Ellsworth AFB Extension
- National American University Rapid City
- National American University Sioux Falls
- Northern State University
- Oglala Lakota College
- Presentation College
- Sinte Gleska University
- Sisseton Wahpeton College
- South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
- South Dakota State University
- Southeast Technical Institute
- University of Sioux Falls
- University of South Dakota
- Western Dakota Technical Institute
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 South Dakota and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
