Stockton University is a public university in Galloway Township, New Jersey. The university, named for Richard Stockton who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was founded in 1969. The university has over 10,000 students with multiple campuses. As part of campus life, students are required to abide by the university code of conduct. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action and/or criminal charges.
If you are a student at Stockton University 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
Both disciplinary violations and/or criminal charges can occur on or off-campus, but in either case, it can result in disciplinary action at your school. After all of the money, time, and effort you have put into your higher education, you certainly do not want it going down the drain because of a simple mistake. Although you may have to face disciplinary hearings, you do not have to face them alone.
An attorney who is highly familiar with the practice area of protecting student rights is a must when you face these kinds of allegations. The sooner you are in contact with your experienced attorney, the better prepared you will be and the better your outcomes can be. Most colleges and universities permit an advisor to accompany a student into disciplinary hearings, and having your attorney in the room will ensure that your rights are protected throughout this process.
If you choose to go it alone, without an attorney, you will be left to the mercy of college bureaucrats whose primary focus will be moving through the process hastily, rather than ensuring the allegations are even actually true. With an attorney at your side, you can negotiate more favorable resolutions, as well as defend yourself against the charges in the first place.
Stockton University Student Rights Attorney
Stockton University requires students to follow the Code of Conduct, and violations of that code may result in disciplinary hearings and punishments. 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 you are a student who is accused of violating one of the Title IX provisions, Stockton University's Title IX office will get involved in your case. The Title IX coordinators will seek to punish you for the violation through campus channels, and will likely encourage the alleged "victim" to file criminal charges as well.
If you have been accused of a Title IX violation, you need an experienced lawyer to help defend your case. If your case also involves criminal charges, you will want an attorney that knows both the student disciplinary process and who can defend your criminal case at the same time.
General Disciplinary Matters
Violations of the school's Code of Conduct are treated very seriously by Stockton University, and you should treat your defense just as seriously. Even when the violation is not a separate crime, the sanctions you may face can be severe.
Common violations of the code that may result in disciplinary action include:
- violations of school alcohol policy
- academic responsibility violations
- hazing violations
- discrimination issues
- criminal or other misconduct
- improper use of social media
- possession of fake ID
- theft
- cheating
Academic Misconduct
Stockton University takes allegations of academic misconduct very seriously, and this includes violations such as:
- Plagiarism: Claiming another's work as your own without proper citation
- Cheating: Engaging in behavior that permits the student to gain answers to tests through ulterior sources
- Duplicate Submissions: Submitting for credit the same work more than once (without prior approval)
- Interference: Hindering the academic performance of another student
Evidence Standard in Hearings
During a disciplinary hearing, the evidentiary standard is a preponderance of the evidence standard. This is a much easier standard than in a criminal case, where the standard is beyond a reasonable doubt. You have the right to be heard and defended at your hearings.
Penalties and Sanctions
The types of punishment you face through penalties and sanctions vary significantly based on the alleged conduct. It could range from a warning and counseling, up to suspension and expulsion. In any case, you will want to defend yourself against these accusations.
Appeals Process
Stockton University does allow for students to appeal unfavorable rulings. The Care and Community Standards office will hear complaints, disciplinary hearings. If you receive an adverse ruling, you can appeal your case to the Campus Hearing Board by filing your appeal within 7 days of the unfavorable decision. It must show some error by the disciplinary hearing board. You do not have to simply accept an adverse decision, you can continue to fight to protect your rights, your reputation, and your education.
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.
Stockton University Lawyer in New Jersey
Are you a student at Stockton University 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 D. 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.
