In today's world, a single disciplinary charge can have a devastating impact on a student's future. It is more important than ever for students to be able to defend themselves from allegations and protect their rights. When you or your student is accused of disciplinary violations at school, it can feel like the world is ending. But with the right representation, students can often fight these charges and avoid severe punishment.
School discipline procedures have become increasingly more complex. For that reason, it is paramount for students and their parents to enlist the help of seasoned legal professionals. At the Lento Law Firm, we have spent years specializing in student defense and have represented students at hearings and other disciplinary procedures at schools and universities in New Orleans and across the country. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento has experience defending students in a variety of situations, including allegations of academic dishonesty, sexual misconduct, and hazing. We understand the unique challenges that students face when dealing with these types of allegations, and we are dedicated to helping you in a way that is both effective and efficient. If you or your child is facing allegations of misconduct at school, contact the Lento Law Firm today.
The New Orleans Metropolitan Area
The New Orleans-Metairie metropolitan area is a great place for students to live and learn. The area is home to some of the best educational institutions in the country, including Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana. Whether you're into music, art, history, or science, you'll find plenty of opportunities to learn and grow in this vibrant city.
The Greater New Orleans metro area consists of eight parishes, including Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, and St. Tammany Parishes. While New Orleans is the largest city in the metro area, suburbs like Metairie, Kenner, Greta, Harvey, LaPlace, Marrero, Slidell, and Terrytown make up a substantial number of the area's population. As one of the most economically important areas of the Deep South, New Orleans and its surrounding communities provide both educational opportunities for students and plentiful jobs for young adults entering the workforce. If you are a student in the New Orleans-Metairie metropolitan area who has run into trouble with your school's administration, attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento is available to help. With decades of experience helping students through all manner of difficulties, the Lento Law Firm is here to assist you in defending your rights no matter where you are located.
New Orleans Metro Area Student Concerns
It's no secret that the school year can be a stressful time for students. Between juggling assignments, extracurricular activities, and social obligations, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. For students in the New Orleans area, there are additional concerns that can contribute to stress levels. New Orleans is a vibrant and unique city, but attending school here can come with its own set of challenges. For students who are used to a more traditional learning environment, the fast pace and constant hustle and bustle of the city can be stressful. Hurricane season runs from June to November, which means that classes may be disrupted or even canceled due to severe weather. Additionally, the high cost of living in New Orleans can make it difficult for students to afford their education. New Orleans is also a large and diverse city, which can make it difficult for some students to feel connected to their peers and community.
Despite all of these challenges, there are also many reasons to love attending school in New Orleans. The city's rich culture and history provide a unique learning experience that is unmatched anywhere else. At the Lento Law Firm, we know how much you want to stay at your school. If you're a student facing allegations of misconduct, experienced student defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento has decades of experience assisting students just like you in a wide range of situations, from Title IX investigations to academic misconduct proceedings. Our student defense team understands the unique challenges that students face when dealing with these types of issues, and we can help you navigate the process and defend your rights.
New Orleans-Metairie Metro Area Schools
The Lento Law Firm is available to help students defend themselves from allegations of academic or behavioral misconduct throughout the New Orleans-Metairie metropolitan area. This includes college and university students, who may be studying at any of NOLA's educational institutions like:
- Tulane University of Louisiana
- Loyola University New Orleans
- University of New Orleans
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Xavier University
- Dillard University
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
- University of Holy Cross
- Notre Dame Seminary Graduate School of Theology
- New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
- William Carey College School of Nursing
- Herzing University New Orleans
If you are the parent of a younger student at one of the many excellent New Orleans-Metairie private high schools throughout the city, experienced student defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento is also available to help work with your child's school administration. The Lento Law Firm can help students from kindergarten through high school at any of the private schools in the area, including:
- Academy of the Sacred Heart
- Ursuline Academy
- Isidore Newman School
- Metairie Park Country Day School
- Atonement Lutheran School
- Stuart Hall School for Boys
- Northlake Christian School
- Crescent City Christian School
- Louise S. McGehee School
- St. Martin's Episcopal School
- Christ Episcopal School
- Ridgewood Preparatory School
- Holy Cross School
- Riverside Academy
- Ecole Classique
Disciplinary Defense in the New Orleans Metro Area
When you are a student, your academic career comes first. From high school through college and graduate school, a person's entire career trajectory can depend on successfully completing their school's requirements for graduation. When a student's degree is in jeopardy because of academic misconduct, behavioral problems, or failing grades, the experienced student defense team at the Lento Law Firm can help guide them through the administrative discipline process from beginning to end.
If you are facing disciplinary action at your school, it is important to get help from knowledgeable student defense attorney-advisor J. At the Lento Law Firm, we have successfully represented hundreds of students in school disciplinary proceedings. We have experience with all types of offenses, including academic misconduct, behavioral problems, sexual assault and harassment, and failure to comply with a school's code of conduct. We know how to navigate the school discipline process and will protect your rights every step of the way.
Academic Progression Issues
Every school requires its students to meet certain standards in order to remain in their program and eventually graduate. For some students, problems with academic progression can be the unexpected result of problems at home or serious personal issues. Other students may find themselves struggling for the first time when they reach college or graduate school. For example, most students who attend graduate schools like medical school, law school, and pharmacy school are high achievers. They have excelled in their undergraduate studies and have been accepted into a highly competitive program. However, these schools hold students to exceptionally high standards, and it is not uncommon for students to fall behind for the first time in their lives.
If you are facing disciplinary action from your school for failing to make sufficient progress or grades, it is important to take the situation seriously. The consequences of academic probation or dismissal can be very serious. You could lose your financial aid, and it could even impact your ability to get a job after graduation. If you are a student who is struggling with academic progression issues, it is important to take action right away. Contact the Lento Law Firm today, and we can help you understand your options and protect your future.
Academic Misconduct Issues
When a student is accused of academic misconduct, the consequences can be severe. Academic misconduct is any type of cheating or dishonesty in academic work, and it can result in a failing grade, suspension from school, or even expulsion. The most common form of academic misconduct is plagiarism, which is when a student copies an author's or someone else's work without giving credit. Other forms of academic misconduct include cheating on exams, submitting fraudulent research, and fabrication of data. Schools take academic misconduct very seriously, and they typically have strict policies in place to punish students who engage in it.
A student who is accused of academic misconduct will have an opportunity to defend themselves during the school discipline process. Usually, schools will notify a student that they have been accused of academic misconduct and will then begin an investigation into the issue. The student may need to speak with the investigator about what happened. After the investigation is complete, the accused student will often appear before a panel or committee for a hearing, where evidence will be presented and weighed. After the hearing, the school will make a determination about whether the student is responsible for the allegations or not. If the student is found responsible, the student may sometimes have the ability to appeal the decision. The Lento Law Firm has successfully represented many students in school disciplinary hearings and appeals and can advise you on your legal rights and options.
Behavioral Misconduct Issues
School is a place where children and young adults learn not only academics, but also social skills and how to interact with others. It is understandable that some students will have problems adjusting during this process and may find themselves in trouble for a momentary lapse in judgment. When allegations are made against a student for behavioral misconduct, like fighting, bullying, and being disruptive in class, the consequences can be long-term. Punishments for these offenses can range from a written warning to expulsion from school. In some cases, schools may have a “zero tolerance” policy for certain types of offenses like drug or alcohol use, which means that any student who is caught committing that offense will be automatically expelled.
Most private high schools, universities, colleges, and graduate schools have a code of conduct that their students are required to follow as well as the consequences for bad behavior. For instance, in Tulane University's code of conduct, there are sixteen possible consequences for student misbehavior, ranging from losing membership status in a group or losing other student privileges to probation, suspension, or withholding a student's degree. If you are facing disciplinary action, it is important to get experienced legal help. Contact student discipline defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento today and learn the best ways to protect your rights.
Title IX Sexual Misconduct Issues
The term “Title IX” is used to refer to a federal law that requires schools that receive federal funds to take action against sexual assaults, harassment, and gender-based discrimination. The Title IX process for students accused of sexual offenses can be long and complex. Title IX investigations typically begin when a student reports an alleged sexual assault to their school. After that, the school then has 60 days to investigate the claim and determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a hearing. If a hearing is held, both the accuser and the accused will have an opportunity to present witnesses and evidence. After the hearing, the school will make a decision about whether or not the accused student is responsible for the alleged sexual assault.
At every step of the Title IX process, it is essential to have an experienced attorney by your side. The Lento Law Firm has years of experience helping students navigate the Title IX process and defend themselves against accusations. We understand the stress and anxiety that comes with being accused of a sexual offense, and we will work tirelessly to help you clear your name. Knowledgeable student defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento has a proven track record of success in defending students against sexual assault and other Title IX allegations and is ready to put his experience to work for you.
New Orleans School Discipline Defense Attorney-Advisor Value
Facing allegations of misconduct and the potential consequences can be frightening and overwhelming. It is important to remember that no matter what you are accused of, you have options and rights. The Lento Law Firm has successfully defended the rights of thousands of students just like you, and we can help you too.
If you or your student is currently facing academic discipline or behavioral misconduct charges in the New Orleans-Metairie metropolitan area, don't hesitate to reach out to an experienced attorney who can help protect your rights. Joseph D. Lento of the Lento Law Firm has years of experience handling these types of cases, and he will fight tirelessly to ensure that you or your student receives a fair hearing. Don't try to navigate this process alone - call 888.535.3686 and retain Joseph D. Lento today.
