Taking the LSAT is a sometimes stressful, sometimes harrowing experience for hopeful law students to complete. A high score on the LSAT can mean the difference between a career in Big Law, easier access to high profile cases through future employment opportunities, or scholarship and grant offerings. With all this pressure, some students may decide to try to cheat on the exam. Most of the time, cheating attempts are unsuccessful, but every so often, a student will succeed. Their illicit score will help them gain entry to law school – and then what?

If you or someone you love is a current law student who was just accused of having cheated on the LSATs, you might be wondering if you can be kicked out for a retroactive issue like this. Below we will discuss the possible punishments you might face.

Punishments for Cheating on LSAT

Cheating in law school carries harsh punishments – like expulsion and suspension, as well as being barred from gaining admission to another law school or being banned from the state bar licensure. It effectively stalls your legal career with very few options for recourse.

When you are accused of cheating on the LSAT, your law school is calling into question the very fiber of your character. Character and reputation are especially important in law school. When admitting students, they look for individuals who are not only competent but who's character precedes them – students who will take the law seriously and never act corruptly. Admitting a student who they then found out had cheated on the LSAT would go against that ethical standard.

Additionally, the LSAC (Law School Admissions Council), which operates the LSAT, specifically states that failing to comply with their ethical standards (i.e., cheating) will have you barred from admission to law school. It would be quite unfair for them to allow you to continue in law school, having cheated on the first test of your own ethics and morals prior to law school.

How an Attorney Advisor Can Help

Being accused of cheating on the LSAT is a serious complaint – one that should be taken seriously. The good news is the LSAC has an appeal process when accused of irregularities or misconduct, and law schools have a disciplinary hearing process that will allow you to present your side of the story. Working with an attorney advisor will ensure the best possible outcome for your case whether your case is being addressed by the LSAC, your law school, or both.

Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have years of experience helping law students accused of cheating. They will work diligently to not only uncover the truth, gather evidence, and question witnesses but help ease the burden of navigating the disciplinary hearing proceedings at your law school. Call 888-535-3686 today for help or schedule a consultation online.