Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Hoboken, New Jersey. It was incorporated in 1870 and is one of the oldest technological universities in the country. On its campus are encompassed Castle Point, the highest point in Hoboken, and many other buildings around the city. The student disciplinary program designed by the Institute is designed to uphold the standards set by the university and protect students against harm.
If you are a student at the Stevens Institute of Technology facing either criminal charges or school disciplinary action experienced attorney Joseph D. Lento is here to fight for your rights. You are not alone.
How Legal Representation Can Protect Student Rights
After an arrest or a charge with a crime, whether it occurs on or off-campus, not only will you be facing the New Jersey criminal system but also the disciplinary system at the school. Getting an education at such an esteemed school is expensive and takes a great deal of work, so it would be highly unfortunate for that all to be thrown away over one mistake. Long-term and rather dire consequences can result from allegations of criminal or disciplinary conduct.
The importance of hiring an attorney familiar with the practice of protecting student rights cannot be understated. So far, a charge is simply an allegation, unproven and not subject to any punishment yet. The sooner you contact an experienced attorney, the better your chances of fighting these allegations, and leaving them behind you, rather than watch them derail your promising future. Most universities allow for an advisor to accompany students who stand accused of a disciplinary violation, so it is critically important that you have representation beside you through this process so as to protect your rights.
If you go without an attorney, you leave your fate in the hands of bureaucrats who may care little for the process and your rights, instead choosing to move hastily through without actually considering your side. In many cases, your attorney can negotiate a favorable resolution to the issues you face, and in so doing protect your reputation and hard work as a Stevens Institute of Technology student.
Stevens Institute of Technology Student Rights Attorney
Stevens Institute of Technology requires students to follow the Code of Ethics, and violations of that code can result in disciplinary action within the school setting itself. Not every violation has to be a separate crime, or result in a criminal charge.
Title IX Violations
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that is designed to protect individuals from discrimination based on gender in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial aid. It prohibits sex-based discrimination as well as sexual harassment and sexual violence. It also protects those who do not conform to historical notions of gender or masculinity or femininity.
Other types of Title IX violations include, but are not limited to:
- sexual violence (rape, sexual battery)
- verbal harassment
- nonverbal harassment
- victims of slurs or stereotypes
- persons held to different standards due to differentiating characteristics
- requests for sexual favors
If a Stevens Institute of Technology student is accused of violating Title IX, the Institute's Title IX office will become involved. It is the job of the Title IX officers to ensure that the law is complied with. Those officers can also attempt to resolve any conflicts that are based on Title IX. However, a violation of any Title IX provision could mean that you will face disciplinary action.
If you are a student accused of a Title IX violation, an experienced lawyer is necessary to help you defend your rights. Some of these violations are also separate crimes, but in both cases, the consequences could be very severe, including expulsion from school. With experienced legal assistance, you can protect your rights.
General Disciplinary Matters
The violation may simply be a violation of the school policy, but this makes it no less serious when you face the possibility of suspension or expulsion from the college.
Common violations of the code that may result in disciplinary action include:
- hazing violations
- academic responsibility violations
- possession of fake ID
- discrimination issues
- violations of school alcohol policy
- criminal or other misconduct
- improper use of social media
- theft
- cheating
Academic Misconduct
Stevens Institute of Technology does not take academic misconduct lightly, and you can face very serious penalties for it. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
- Plagiarism: Claiming another person's work product as your own without proper citation
- Cheating: Behavior that allows a student to have access to answers he or she should not otherwise have
- Duplicate Submissions: Submitting for credit the same work more than once (without prior approval)
- Interference: Hindering the academic performance of another student
Standard of Evidence
During a hearing concerning misconduct, academic or otherwise, the evidentiary standard is by a preponderance of the evidence. This is not a very high bar, so it is critical you have an experienced attorney at your side to help defend your case.
Sanctions and Penalties
Depending on the nature of the offense, and any prior history of misconduct on campus, the penalties and sanctions may vary. Your first offense could be as little as a warning, but it gets quickly more serious from there, including suspension or expulsion from campus.
Appeals Process
As with most institutions, Stevens Institute of Technology does allow for parties to appeal unfavorable rulings. Depending on the nature of the violation, and the sanction imposed, you will have 10 days to file an appeal, but it may be limited in what you may appeal. The best bet is to stop this process at the beginning with your attorney and file an appeal only when necessary.
Potential Criminal Charges
Are the allegations of student misconduct associated with criminal charges? Often the campus or local agencies of law enforcement may have involvement. Joseph D. Lento has many years of experience defending clients in criminal matters in courts across New Jersey.
Stevens Institute of Technology Lawyer in New Jersey
Are you a student at Stevens Institute of Technology student who is facing disciplinary action by your school or are facing a criminal charge? You will want to immediately seek the advice of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.
Joseph Lento of the Lento Law Firm helps students defend their case, their constitutional rights, and their right to stay in school. Call (888) 535-5336 right now to take advantage of a consultation that will let our firm review your case and discuss your legal options.
