Facing School Disciplinary Action? You Need Expert Help Now.

It's the worst nightmare for students and parents alike: sitting down in front of a university disciplinary committee facing an uncertain future at the school. Colleges and universities take student misconduct very seriously, and punishment for alleged violations can be harsh and swift. A fun-filled night gone awry, an academic misstep, a misunderstanding on a date, or even a momentary lapse in judgment can throw your entire future career into jeopardy before you even realize what's at stake, let alone know how to defend yourself.

This is not a time to try and “go it alone.” You need an experienced attorney advisor who knows how student discipline proceedings work—someone who can provide expert advice, provide wise counsel, and help you quickly prepare an effective defense. Attorney Joseph D. Lento is a nationally renowned expert in student rights and student defense, having helped hundreds of students navigate even the most challenging student defense cases in colleges and universities across the country.

Student Misconduct Hearings Can Jeopardize Your Career

When you face a student disciplinary committee, there's often a lot more at stake than just a “slap on the wrist,” so to speak. Penalties for violations of the school's Student Conduct Code or Honor Code can be as mild as a reprimand, but they can also result in probationary sanctions, suspension, and even expulsion from the school. These penalties can be extremely costly for parents and students alike because they can result in:

• Lost tuition
• Lost time
• Costly restitution requirements
• A permanent notation on your academic record, possibly hurting your chances of getting hired
• Difficulties resuming your education (if you're facing dismissal)
• A tarnished professional or personal reputation
• Depending on the offense, possible criminal charges

The real disadvantage for accused students in these situations is that they have neither time nor a clear understanding of the situation to defend themselves properly. Many university disciplinary committees will move quickly to sit the student down and deliver whatever punishment or sanction they believe fits the violation. The initiation of code of conduct or disciplinary proceedings usually takes place within mere days of whatever events transpired. Before they are even aware of what happened, students may find themselves on university probation, or worse, suspended or expelled.

In short, no one should take student misconduct allegations lightly. Without proper due process, and without expert advisory counsel, your (or your child's) entire professional future could be at risk—all due to one misunderstanding or misst