In Alabama, there are currently over 209,000 students attending a college, university or other postsecondary institution on a full-time basis. Today's college and university leaders are strongly committed to upholding codes of academic integrity and take acts of academic dishonesty very seriously. The student disciplinary process is conducted according to the school's written procedures. Students are able to answer the allegations in a hearing. Students may potentially have harsh sanctions imposed such as suspension or even expulsion. Some busy administrators may potentially fail to protect the rights that students are entitled to. Attorney Joseph D. Lento is an experienced attorney in all areas of student disciplinary defense and is available to represent those at colleges and universities in Alabama.
Records of Misconduct
Postsecondary institutions have a duty to maintain records and transcripts for all students. This evidence such as actions of student misconduct can have some potential consequences. For example, if you were to apply to another college or a graduate school program these records could lead to being denied admittance. This is of particular importance to those who may pursue entrance to law or medical school programs that may perform more comprehensive background checks.
Reviewing Sanctions
Disciplinary guidelines contain the provisions regarding the potential sanctions that may be imposed. Some have policies that allow the student to request that the severity of the sanctions be reassessed. This sanction review procedure is not an appeals process; however, it may be integrated into your appeal. Often the reality is that the penalties imposed are disproportionate to the violation that occurred. Ordinarily, the student must submit a written explanation of why the sanctions are excessive. Having legal counsel that is familiar with this area of practice will lead to more effective management of the overall appeals process and they may potentially negotiate more favorable sanctions on your behalf.
The Appeals Process: The University of Alabama
Different schools have different standards for what grounds must be met for an appeal to be valid and also what specific steps must be followed. For example, students at the University of Alabama may appeal a decision to their academic dean within a one-week period. The dean may reevaluate the disciplinary decision and penalties imposed. The decision of the dean may also be appealed to the Office for Academic Affairs. The written appeal must contain the grounds for the appeal such as newly found evidence, errors in the procedure or excessive sanctions.
Importance of Legal Representation in Appeals
Your attorney will assist with the creation of a document that effectively justifies your appeal. Facts will be clearly presented that suggest your appeal is worthy of consideration. At the minimum, the document may have enough merit to create some degree of leverage that warrants a potential negotiation. Due to the short period of time available for presenting your appeal, students are encouraged to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Attorney for Student Academic Disciplinary Appeals in Alabama
Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm recognizes how records of academic misconduct can create potential future problems. You deserve experienced representation that will aggressively counter allegations and ensure your rights are protected. Those in Alabama seeking student disciplinary defense are encouraged to call (888)535-3686 for a consultation.
- Alabama A & M University
- Alabama Southern Community College
- Alabama State University
- Amridge University
- Auburn University
- Auburn University at Montgomery
- Bevill State Community College
- Birmingham Southern College
- Bishop State Community College
- Brown Mackie College Birmingham
- Central Alabama Community College
- Chattahoochee Valley Community College
- Columbia Southern University
- Concordia College Selma
- Enterprise State Community College
- Faulkner University
- Fortis College Mobile
- Fortis College Montgomery
- Gadsden State Community College
- George C Wallace State Community College Dothan
- George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville
- George C Wallace State Community College Selma
- H Councill Trenholm State Technical College
- Heritage Christian University
- Herzing University Birmingham
- Huntingdon College
- Huntsville Bible College
- ITT Technical Institute Bessemer
- ITT Technical Institute Madison
- ITT Technical Institute Mobile
- J F Drake State Technical College
- Jacksonville State University
- James H Faulkner State Community College
- Jefferson Davis Community College
- Jefferson State Community College
- John C Calhoun State Community College
- Judson College
- Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus
- Lurleen B Wallace Community College
- Marion Military Institute
- Miles College
- Northeast Alabama Community College
- Northwest Shoals Community College Muscle Shoals
- Oakwood University
- Prince Institute of Professional Studies Inc
- Reid State Technical College
- Remington College Mobile Campus
- Samford University
- Selma University
- Shelton State Community College
- Snead State Community College
- South University Montgomery
- Southeastern Bible College
- Southern Union State Community College
- Spring Hill College
- Stillman College
- Talladega College
- The University of Alabama
- Tri State Institute
- Troy University
- Tuskegee University
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of Alabama at Huntsville
- University of Mobile
- University of Montevallo
- University of North Alabama
- University of Phoenix Birmingham Campus
- University of South Alabama
- University of West Alabama
- Virginia College Birmingham
- Virginia College Huntsville
- Virginia College Mobile
- Virginia College Montgomery
Regrettably, an academic misconduct finding of responsibility can derail an accused student's academic and professional goals and some students and parents do not recognize this concern until it may be too late. If a student is found responsible for academic misconduct charges, in addition to the short-term consequences such academic and disciplinary sanctions, there will be long-term consequences. Internships, graduate school opportunities, and employment opportunities can all be adversely impacted by a finding of responsibility.
For these reasons and more, it is critical to properly address such concerns as early as possible in the disciplinary process. There are times, however, that it necessary to appeal an adverse outcome, and Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have unparalleled experience passionately fighting for the futures of his clients at universities and colleges in Alabama and 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 an academic misconduct advisor to students facing disciplinary cases in Alabama and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected at all stages of the academic misconduct disciplinary process, including the appeal stage - Contact National Academic Misconduct Advisor Joseph D. Lento today at 888-535-3686.
