Academic misconduct is no laughing matter. Arizona high schools take rigorous efforts to ensure students meet their academic integrity standards. An academic misconduct infraction results in harsh punishment that can impact a student for years to come.
If an Arizona school accuses your child of academic misconduct, it's essential to mount a defense against the charge. Academic integrity violations can affect your child's grades, access to extracurriculars, and graduation status. Even worse, academic misconduct can go on their permanent record and jeopardize their ability to pursue a college education.
A Lento Law Firm advisor can help you sort through the details and fight academic misconduct charges. They can help you refute the violation and get your child's life back on track.
What is Academic Misconduct?
Academic misconduct encompasses any act committed by a student that creates an unfair advantage. High schools typically define academic misconduct in their academic integrity policy. Although policies differ from school to school, some actions are commonly prohibited. Schools largely forbid the following forms of academic misconduct:
Cheating Cheating involves any activity when a student fails to follow the rules set forth by their instructor. Common examples include copying a student's work on an assignment or exam, using secretive methods to give away answers to a test, or allowing another student to copy one's work.
Plagiarism Many schools define plagiarism as using someone else's work without attributing the source. This definition also includes self-plagiarism or resubmitting one's work without permission.
Collusion Collusion involves collaborating or working with others on assignments without permission. Students who submit unauthorized group work impede the ability of instructors to evaluate their individual abilities.
Disrupting the Classroom Schools typically punish students who interfere with the learning process. Instructors may discipline students who are frequently tardy, speak out of turn, use unauthorized electronics, or are antagonistic towards others in the class.
Falsification Academic integrity policies may also prohibit students from misrepresenting the truth to gain an academic advantage. Examples include forging documents or signatures, lying to avoid schoolwork, or providing misleading information to an instructor.
What Is the Disciplinary Process for Academic Misconduct?
The penalties for academic misconduct vary depending on a few factors. The type of offense, number of offenses, and school policy all affect academic misconduct cases. Most high schools outline their academic integrity policies and procedures in their student handbook. It's important to review the school's guidelines on handling academic integrity violations.
In Arizona, academic misconduct violations can result in significant consequences. Tempe Union High School District’s Student and Parent Handbook states that students guilty of academic misconduct or dishonesty face disciplinary action and academic sanctions. Penalties include receiving a zero on an assignment, a grade of “F” for a class, or withdrawal from the class during the academic year.
The academic integrity policy provides additional discipline for violations including cheating, forgery, lying, and plagiarism:
1st Offense — Conference to a short-term suspension
2nd Offense — Conference to a short-term suspension
3rd Offense — Short-term to long-term suspension
Academic misconduct can also have long-term ramifications for students. Violations may appear on students' academic records. Violations may appear on students' academic records, which can jeopardize their future and hurt their chances of getting accepted to college.
What is the disciplinary process for academic misconduct?
The disciplinary process for academic misconduct also depends on the school and the offense. The procedure typically lies in the hands of the teacher, administration, or personnel at the school.
Although the school decides on disciplinary action for academic misconduct, students and their parents do have certain rights. Tempe Union High School provides the following rights in their student handbook:
- The school provides a student whose conduct warrants suspension or expulsion with written notice of the alleged misconduct and an opportunity to speak to an impartial hearing officer.
- The school will offer the student an alternative to long-term suspension or expulsion in certain circumstances.
- The school will contact the parent if a student is subject to discipline for a serious offense.
- A student may decline to be interviewed by school officers or law enforcement officers.
Arizona public schools allow parents and students to appeal determinations and discipline. You may also be able to file a complaint or grievance if you feel the school violated your child's constitutional rights.
What to Do if Your Child's School Accuses Them of Academic Misconduct
Although individual policies may vary, Arizona schools treat academic misconduct as a serious offense. Many schools vigorously enforce integrity violations to uphold their academic standing.
If you're aware of an academic misconduct violation, you must take steps to effectively push back against the charge. School districts in Phoenix and other cities typically allow parent involvement in academic misconduct proceedings. You need to arm yourself with the ability to protect your child throughout the process.
You can use the school's handbook to review information about their academic integrity policy. It can also be helpful to speak with your student to better understand the situation and their perspective.
If your child faces serious charges, it's also beneficial to speak with an advisor. An experienced attorney can help you prepare for meetings with school faculty and work with you to reduce the punishment.
How an Advisor Can Help Arizona Students
Academic misconduct infractions can put your child's entire future at risk. With such high stakes, it's crucial to seek out the help of an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you deal with the school and push back against the unfair treatment of your child. Attorneys have the legal knowledge and experience to advocate on your child's behalf and refute academic misconduct accusations.
You and your child have rights. If you're worried about harsh disciplinary punishment, it's best to enlist the services of an expert. They can work with you every step of the way to protect your child's rights and their future.
Don't let an academic misconduct allegation change your child's life. Take control by contacting experienced attorney Joseph D. Lento. The Lento Law Firm has represented many students across the country in academic misconduct cases. They've achieved many favorable outcomes and pushed back against unfair school practices. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation.
Arizona high schools where Joseph D. Lento can help as your child's student's academic misconduct advisor during investigations, hearings and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following school districts:
A
- Agua Fria Union High School District #216
- Aguila Elementary School District #63
- Ajo Unified School District #15
- Alhambra Elementary School District #68
- Alpine Elementary School District #7
- Altar Valley Elementary School District #51
- Amphitheater Public Schools #10
- Antelope Union High School District #50
- Apache Junction Unified School District #43
- Arlington Elementary School District #47
- Ash Creek Elementary School District #53
- Ash Fork Joint Unified School District #31
- Avondale Elementary School District #44
B
- Bagdad Unified School District #20
- Balsz Elementary School District #31
- Beaver Creek Elementary School District #26
- Benson Unified School District #9
- Bicentennial Union High School District #76
- Bisbee Unified School District #2
- Blue Ridge Unified School District #32
- Bonita Elementary School District #16
- Bouse Elementary School District #26
- Bowie Unified School District #14
- Buckeye Elementary School District #33
- Buckeye Union High School District #201
- Bullhead City Elementary School District #15
C
- Camp Verde Unified School District #28
- Canon Elementary School District #50
- Cartwright Elementary School District #83
- Casa Grande Elementary School District #4
- Casa Grande Union High School District #82
- Catalina Foothills Unified School District #16
- Cave Creek Unified School District #93
- Cedar Unified School District #25
- Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology
- Chandler Unified School District #80
- Chevelon Butte School District #5
- Chinle Unified School District #24
- Chino Valley Unified School District #51
- Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary School District #3
- Clifton Unified School District
- Cobre Valley Institute of Technology District
- Cochise Elementary School District #26
- Coconino Association for Vocation Industry and Technology
- Colorado City Unified School District #14
- Colorado River Union High School District #2
- Concho Elementary School District #6
- Congress Elementary School District #17
- Continental Elementary School District #39
- Coolidge Unified School District #21
- Cottonwood-Oak Creek Elementary School District #6
- Crane Elementary School District #13
- Creighton Elementary School District #14
- Crown King Elementary School District #41
D
- Deer Valley Unified School District #97
- Double Adobe Elementary School District #45
- Douglas Unified School District #27
- Duncan Unified School District #2
- Dysart Unified School District #89
E
- Eagle Elementary School District
- East Valley Institute of Technology
- Elfrida Elementary School District #12
- Eloy Elementary School District #11
- Empire School District #37
- Esperanza Academy Accommodation School District
F
- Flagstaff Unified School District
- Florence Unified School District #1
- Flowing Wells Unified School District #8
- Forrest Elementary School District
- Fort Thomas Unified School District #7
- Fountain Hills Unified School District #98
- Fowler Elementary School District #45
- Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District
G
- Gadsden Elementary School District #32
- Ganado Unified School District #20
- Gila Bend Unified School District #24
- Gila Institute for Technology
- Gilbert Public Schools
- Glendale Elementary School District #40
- Glendale Union High School District #205
- Globe Unified School District #1
- Grand Canyon Unified School District #4
H
- Hackberry School District #3
- Hayden-Winkelman Unified School District #41
- Heber-Overgaard Unified School District #6
- Higley Unified School District #60
- Hillside Elementary School District #35
- Holbrook Unified School District #3
- Humboldt Unified School District #22
- Hyder Elementary School District #16
I
- Indian Oasis-Baboquivari Unified School District #40
- Isaac School District #5
O
- O. Combs Elementary School District #44
- Joseph City Unified School District #2
K
- Kayenta Unifed School District #27
- Kingman Unified School District #20
- Kirkland Elementary School District #23
- Klondyke Elementary School District
- Kyrene Elementary School District #28
L
- Lake Havasu Unified School District #1
- Laveen Elementary School District #59
- Liberty Elementary School District #25
- Litchfield Elementary School District #79
- Littlefield Unified School District #9
- Littleton Elementary School District #65
M
- Madison Elementary School District #38
- Maine Consolidated Elementary School District #10
- Mammoth-San Manuel Unified School District #8
- Marana Unified School District #6
- Maricopa County Regional District #509
- Maricopa Unified School District
- Mary C. O'Brien Accommodation School District
- Mayer Unified School District #43
- McNary Elementary School District #23
- McNeal Elementary School District #55
- Mesa Public Schools #4
- Miami Unified School District #40
- Mingus Union High School District #4
- Mobile Elementary School District #86
- Mohave Valley Elementary School District #16
- Mohawk Valley Elementary School District #17
- Morenci Unified School District
- Morristown Elementary School District #75
- Mountain Institute Joint Technology Education District
- Murphy Elementary School District #21
N
- Naco Elementary School District #23
- Nadaburg Elementary School District #81
- Nogales Unified School District #1
- Northeast Arizona Technological Institute of Vocational Education
- Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology
O
- Oracle Elementary School District #2
- Osborn Elementary School District #8
- Owens-Whitney Elementary School District #6
P
- Page Unified School District #8
- Palo Verde Elementary School District #49
- Paloma Elementary School District #94
- Palominas Elementary School District #49
- Paradise Valley Unified School District #69
- Parker Unified School District #27
- Patagonia Elementary School District #6
- Patagonia Union High School District #20
- Payson Unified School District #10
- Peach Springs Unified School District #8
- Pearce Elementary School District #22
- Pendergast Elementary School District #92
- Peoria Unified School District #11
- Phoenix Elementary School District #11
- Phoenix Union High School District #210
- Picacho Elementary School District #33
- Pima County Joint Technological Education District
- Pima Unified School District #6
- Pine-Strawberry Elementary School District #12
- Piñon Unified School District #4
- Pomerene Elementary School District #64
- Pendergast School District #92
- Prescott Unified School District #1
Q
- Quartzsite Elementary School District #4
- Queen Creek Unified School District #95
R
- Ray Unified School District #3
- Red Mesa Unified School District #27
- Red Rock Elementary School District #5
- Redington School District #44
- Riverside School District #2
- Roosevelt Elementary School District #66
- Round Valley Unified School District #10
S
- Sacaton Elementary School District #18
- Saddle Mountain Unified School District #90
- Safford Unified School District #1
- Sahuarita Unified School District #30
- Saint David Unified School District #21
- Salome Consolidated Elementary School District #30
- San Carlos Unified School District #20
- San Fernando Elementary School District #35
- San Simon Unified School District #18
- Sanders Unified School District #18
- Santa Cruz Elementary School District
- Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District #35
- Santa Cruz Valley Union High School District #840
- Scottsdale Unified School District #48
- Sedona-Oak Creek Joint Unified School District #9
- Seligman Unified School District #40
- Sentinel Elementary School District #71
- Show Low Unified School District #10
- Sierra Vista Public Schools District #68
- Skull Valley Elementary School District #15
- Snowflake Unified School District #5
- Solomon Elementary School District #5
- Somerton Elementary School District #11
- Sonoita Elementary School District #25
- Johns Unified School District #1
- Stanfield Elementary School District #24
- Sunnyside Unified School District #12
- Superior Unified School District #15
T
- Tanque Verde Unified School District #13
- Tempe Elementary School District #3
- Tempe Union High School District #213
- Thatcher Unified School District #4
- Tolleson Elementary School District #17
- Tolleson Union High School District #214
- Toltec Elementary School District #22
- Tombstone Unified School District #1
- Tonto Basin Elementary School District #33
- Topock Elementary School District #12
- Tuba City Unified School District #15
- Tucson Unified School District #1
U
- Union Elementary School District #62
V
- Vail School District #20
- Valentine Elementary School District #22
- Valley Union High School District #22
- Vernon Elementary School District #9
W
- Walnut Grove Elementary District
- Washington Elementary School District #6
- Wellton Elementary School District #24
- Wenden Elementary School District #19
- West-Mec - Western Maricopa Education Center
- Whiteriver Unified School District #20
- Wickenburg School District #9
- Willcox Unified School District #13
- Williams Unified School District #2
- Wilson Elementary School District #7
- Window Rock Unified School District #8
- Winslow Unified School District #1
Y
- Yarnell Elementary School District #52
- Young Elementary School District #5
- Yucca Elementary School District #13
- Yuma Elementary School District #1
- Yuma Union High School District #70
It is critical to make certain academic misconduct charges at your child's Arizona high school are handled properly and that the accused student's interests and rights are protected from as early as possible during the investigative and disciplinary process. One reason, among many, is because even at high schools where a finding of responsibility for academic misconduct is made at a hearing, the investigation will set the stage for what the hearing panel is provided prior to a hearing (and what the hearing panel will in large part rely on at a hearing), and at high schools where the finding of responsibility is made solely through the investigative process, what takes place during the investigation itself will determine whether the accused student is found responsible or not responsible for academic misconduct.
Unfortunately, some parents make the mistake of not taking the necessary precautions as soon as possible when their child is accused of academic misconduct. Some people will mistakenly believe that if they "just explain what happened," their school will be fair and impartial and will arrive at the truth. In a perfect world this may be the case, but in a perfect world, being called to answer for alleged academic misconduct would not exist.
Fighting passionately for the future of his clients at schools throughout the nation for many years, Joseph D. Lento knows how important it is to mount the strongest defense because he understands that an accused high school student's academic future is on the line. 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 high school students facing investigations and disciplinary cases in Arizona and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National High School Academic Misconduct Defense Attorney Joseph D. Lento today at 888-535-3686.
